The Role of ICT in the Economic Recovery Plan of Malawi a Critical Discourse Analysis

Abstract

This article presents a critical analysis of the role of ICT in economic recovery plan of a low-income status country. The study analysed the case of Malawi using critical discourse analysis to unravel assumptions and issues in the text of the Economic Recovery Plan. The findings showed a lack of a holistic approach to the proposed solutions in the Economic Recovery Plan. The assumptions on the role of ICT concentrated on ICT infrastructure, liberalization of the telecommunications sector and reforms in regulatory frameworks. Thus, issues from the demand side of the ICT value chain were silent in the solutions e.g. high cost of ICT services, ICT access for the rural dwellers and ICT skills of users in integrating ICTs in their economic and social activities. The study contributes to the understanding of the role of ICT in the economic recovery of countries under crisis.