Malawi is considering strengthening its cybersecurity laws to address emerging digital threats, including cybercrime, online bullying, financial fraud and the growing use of artificial intelligence (AI).
Minister of Information Shadric Namalomba and Minister of Justice and Constitutional Affairs Charles Mhango have highlighted the need to strengthen the country’s legal and institutional capacity to respond to cyber threats as digital transformation continues across various sectors.
Namalomba said cybersecurity is critical to protecting Malawi’s digital systems, citizens’ livelihoods, national security and economic development.
He observed that digital technology has become central to sectors such as health, agriculture, education, communication and public administration, making the security of information systems increasingly important.
The minister cited reported incidents involving the hacking of TNM WhatsApp numbers, the Immigration Department’s information systems and the land management information system as examples of the risks posed by cyberattacks.
He also expressed concern over cybercriminals who exploit mobile accounts to steal money and individuals who use online platforms to harass women and girls.
Namalomba said the gathering was intended to develop and simulate strategies that would help relevant institutions anticipate cyber threats and respond before attacks cause serious damage.
He further described cybersecurity as a national security issue, stressing the need for government, the private sector, investors, women and persons with disabilities to work together in protecting the country’s digital infrastructure.
The minister also called for stronger enforcement of existing legislation, noting that Malawi enacted the Electronic Transactions and Cyber Security Act in 2016.
Meanwhile, The Minister of Justice Charles Mhango said that his Ministry was consulting the Ministry of Information on possible legal reforms to address emerging challenges in the digital space.
He acknowledged that although Malawi already has laws dealing with cyber-related offences, new developments, particularly the emergence of artificial intelligence, have created additional challenges that may require an updated legal framework.
Mhango explained that the Ministry of Justice relies on technical guidance from relevant ministries to determine the legislation needed to address emerging issues.
He said the government hoped to have a bill before Parliament during the February–April budget session, although the timeline would depend on the issues requiring attention.
The minister said the proposed reforms would particularly seek to protect vulnerable groups, including women, girls, people with limited literacy and rural communities, who may be exposed to online fraud and other forms of cybercrime.
Mhango emphasised that effective cybersecurity laws should enable authorities to detect fraudulent transactions, identify the individuals behind them and bring suspected offenders to justice.
He called for stronger coordination among law enforcement agencies, banks, mobile money providers and telecommunications regulators, including the Malawi Communications Regulatory Authority (MACRA).
According to Mhango, cybercriminals frequently exploit telephone numbers, bank accounts and mobile money platforms to deceive victims and transfer stolen funds.
He said cooperation among these institutions would help investigators trace suspicious transactions, identify account holders and establish the individuals responsible for financial fraud.
The minister maintained that addressing cybercrime requires more than legislation alone, stressing the importance of collaboration among institutions that manage financial transactions and communications.
The proposed legal reforms, if advanced, would come as Malawi continues expanding its use of digital technologies, highlighting the need to balance innovation with stronger safeguards for citizens, businesses and public institutions.
