NCST Director of Planning, M&E and Resource Mobilization, Mr Kondwani Gondwe recently facilitated group discussions during the validation workshop for the Malawi Artificial Intelligence Readiness Assessment Methodology (RAM) Report.
The report which is being developed by National Commission for UNESCO and the Ministry of Education, Science and Technology to assess the country’s readiness to integrate Artificial Intelligence (AI) across various sectors.
The assessment involved extensive desk research, stakeholder consultations, interviews, and data collection from government institutions, academia, the private sector, civil society organizations, technical experts, and development partners.
During the workshop, held on 22nd July, 2026, participants deliberated on the preliminary findings that are centred around five key dimensions: legal and regulatory; social and cultural; scientific and educational; economic; and technical and infrastructural readiness.
Speaking during the opening of the conference, the Secretary for Education, Science and Technology, Dr Ken Ndala, who was the guest of honor, said the Ministry remains committed to building the country’s AI capacity through research innovation, digital literacy and STEM.
“AI presents opportunities across all sectors including health, education, agriculture, industry and governance. However, its success requires investment in infrastructure and skills development, ethical governance and collaboration,” said Dr Ndala.
In her remarks, the Head of UNESCO Office in Malawi, Ms. Naomi Munthali, described the validation workshop as a defining moment in the country’s AI journey.
“Over the past months, Malawi has undertaken a comprehensive assessment of its readiness to harness the opportunities presented by artificial intelligence while addressing the associated risks and challenges.
“Today therefore marks a milestone in Malawi’s journey towards building an inclusive, ethical and human-centred artificial intelligence ecosystem,” said Ms. Munthali.
Meanwhile, the Secretary General of the Malawi National Commission for UNESCO, Mr David Mulera, called on stakeholders to take ownership of the process and its outcomes.
“We look forward to strengthened partnerships among stakeholders on matters to do with artificial intelligence and ethics,” he said. Malawi is among the countries undertaking the RAM process with the support of UNESCO. Since its launch, RAM has been implemented in more than 70 countries globally, six of which are in Southern Africa.
