Government Set to Launch National Data Centre

The Government of Malawi, through the Department of E-Government, is preparing to open a state-of-the-art Data Centre aimed at centralizing government information storage.

During a site visit in Lilongwe on Wednesday, Paul Kanthambi, Data Manager at the Department of E-Government, described the project as a significant milestone in the country’s digital transformation efforts.

He said the Data Centre is designed to strengthen access to critical Information and Communication Technology (ICT) infrastructure, enhance digital governance, and reduce infrastructure costs by consolidating data storage.

“Once operational, the centre will provide a secure environment for Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs) to store their data, boosting efficiency and transparency across government operations,” Kanthambi said.

He further noted that currently, each MDA operates its own on-site data systems. However, the new centre will centralize all database servers, ensuring better data management and security.

Brenda Chingota Muyaya, Director of ICT at the Reserve Bank of Malawi, commended the progress of the project. She said the facility will not only benefit MDAs but also empower citizens by improving access to government information and services.

“We’re impressed with how far the project has come. With the infrastructure in place, we believe this centre will significantly contribute to the achievement of Malawi’s Sustainable Development Goals,” she said.

Muyaya also highlighted that the centre is equipped with reliable backup systems, including generators and Uninterruptible Power Supply (UPS) units, to mitigate the impact of power outages.

The project is part of the World Bank-funded Digital Malawi Project and is expected to become operational in June this year.