Malawi is taking significant strides toward digital transformation through its collaboration with Huawei, a leading global service provider, to launch the Smart Village Initiative. This initiative is aimed at expanding internet access to rural and isolated communities, bridging the digital divide, and equipping young people with critical digital skills. With the number of Malawian households with internet access projected to reach 640,000 by 2024, the Smart Village Initiative is set to empower communities with training in cybersecurity, artificial intelligence, and smart agriculture solutions.

As Africa’s digital landscape continues to evolve, this initiative highlights the importance of building partnerships that promote connectivity and skill development. By setting up technical training centres in rural areas, Malawi is preparing its youth for a digitally driven future. Equipping communities with the right tools and knowledge not only fosters economic growth and innovation but also strengthens their ability to tackle modern challenges.

At the same time, across the globe, tools designed for social justice organizations are emerging as vital resources for building digital resilience and protecting activists, civil society groups, and marginalized communities.

One such tool is Securing Operations with Automated Policymaking (SOAP). SOAP is a free, online security policy generator designed to help civil society organizations create tailored digital security policies. Through SOAP, organisations can craft policies suited to their specific needs, ensuring they stay resilient in the face of ever-evolving digital threats.

Similarly, the Numun Fund is advancing feminist technology initiatives by providing resources and support to feminist movements. By empowering trans groups, activists, and social justice networks with technological tools, the Numun Fund helps foster a world where technology is leveraged for equality and justice.

Projects like Shira, an app designed to help journalists, activists, and defenders identify phishing attacks, and Tella, a tool for documenting human rights violations in low-connectivity environments, are critical in promoting safety and accountability in difficult circumstances. These tools make it possible for individuals in risky environments to protect their data and securely record evidence of injustice.

Tech 4 Peace is another example, a non-profit focused on fighting disinformation and misinformation in the MENA region through fact-checking and digital rights training. The platform empowers activists, journalists, and women by providing digital security training and promoting leadership in the fight against online threats.

Both Malawi’s Smart Village Initiative and the development of digital resilience tools for social justice organisations underscore the global push toward leveraging technology for empowerment and protection. Whether it’s rural communities in Malawi gaining access to the internet and digital skills or social justice groups harnessing technology to secure their operations, these efforts are shaping a more connected, resilient, and just future.

Check out the sites on 

• Securing Organizations with Automated Policymaking (SOAP)  https://usesoap.app/ 
• Numun Fund https://numun.fund/ 
• Shira https://shira.app/
• Tella https://tella-app.org/
• Tech 4 Peace https://t4p.co/about/about-us?lang=en