A report published in December 2023 examined how India's digital identity and payment systems could offer lessons for Malawi as the country works to improve public services. The account followed a familiarisation visit by journalists from 15 African countries.

The report described how digital identification and bank access can help government programmes reach intended recipients and connect workers with opportunities. It also noted Malawi's progress in financial inclusion and mobile money, while raising concerns about fraud and the time people spend seeking work through physical labour offices.

The piece pointed to Indian innovation hubs, universities and product-development initiatives as examples of how support, skills and intellectual-property protections can help local ideas reach markets. It argued that Malawi could draw on such approaches while building safeguards against digital fraud.

This article reflects the themes in The Times Group's original report, published on December 19, 2023; it is not an update on current government programmes.