Abstract:
The Information and Communication Technologies (ICT) are
being increasingly used by governments to deliver their services at the
locations convenient to the citizens. In other words, e-government will make it
easier for people to lead a healthy life, experience life-long learning, and
access resources to sustain a reasonable standard of living. E-government
also facilitates the ability for individuals to participate in their society,
government, and community. In partnership with the Department of E Government, the National Library Service (NLS) of Malawi is providing free
ICT lessons to the general public under the Mass ICT Literacy Program. The
program aims at giving the populace confidence in using ICT services. This
current study is to investigate the role of NLS in promoting e-governance in
Malawi. The specific objectives of the study are to find out the role of NLS in
promoting e-government through training the general public and to determine
the challenges encountered and a way forward. The study employed both
quantitative and qualitative research methods. The study population
comprised of NLS staff. Sampling was purposive. Based on the findings, the
study recommends that NLS authorities improve ICT use among the general
public through training. It is further recommended that the Malawi
government improve the electricity infrastructure and lower the tariffs on
imported ICT technologies with a view to improving e-government in Malawi.
