Malawi pushes for universal digital access despite high network coverage

Malawi’s communications regulator has said it remains committed to achieving universal access to digital services, despite persistently low uptake of digital communications across the country.

Dr Mayamiko Nkoloma, Director General of the Malawi Communications Regulatory Authority (Macra), made the comments at the Digital Africa Summit, being held this week at the Bingu wa Mutharika International Convention Centre in Lilongwe.

The summit has brought together policymakers, regulators and industry figures from across the continent to discuss how to advance digital connectivity, inclusion and the growth of Africa’s digital economy.

Dr Nkoloma told delegates that Malawi’s network infrastructure was not the problem.

The country has 86 per cent coverage across both 3G and 4G networks, he said – but this was not translating into actual use of digital services by the population.

“We need deliberate policy direction to ensure that digital services are accessible and that people are able to use them,” he said.

He described the summit as one of the key platforms for driving forward Africa’s digital transformation.

The event is organised by the GSMA and Invictus Global Media Group, in partnership with Malawi’s Ministry of Information and Communication Technology and Macra.

Caroline Mbugua, the GSMA’s Senior Director for Public Policy and Communications, said digital migration was essential to increasing economic activity across the continent.

“GSMA’s objective is to ensure that consumers across the continent are able to access and use digital platforms,” she said. “It is for this strategic mission that GSMA wants African countries to work towards building stronger digital economies.”

The summit continues this week, with further sessions expected to address the barriers to digital adoption facing many African nations.