MACRA has trained Malawi Police Service Public Relations Officers and Prosecutors in its capacity as the designated Data Protection Authority and the national focal point for cybersecurity in Malawi. The training aimed to equip Public Relations Officers and Prosecutors with knowledge on data protection as well as cybersecurity.
Inspector General of Police, Richard Luhanga, called on the officers present to invest in acquiring new knowledge and skills in order to effectively discharge their duties in the digital era. Inspector General Luhanga further urged the officers to ensure the lawful handling of personal data in compliance with the Data Protection Act of 2024.
Head of the Malawi Computer Emergency Response Team (MwCERT), Dr. Charles Fodya, noted that cybersecurity and data protection have moved from being mere considerations to essential components of everyday life. “In 2024, Malawi enacted the Data Protection Act, which complements the Electronic Transactions and Cyber Security Act that has been in effect since 2016. The two Acts are crucial in ensuring sanity and security in cyberspace as the country lays the foundation for a vibrant digital ecosystem,” said Dr. Fodya.
The three-day workshop, was held at the Malawi Police Cottage in Mangochi, will cover principles of data protection, cyber offences as stipulated in the Electronic Transactions and Cyber Security Act, as well as cyber hygiene.
