Malawi Leads in Affordable Data, Now Targets Cheap Smartphones

Malawi earns a reputation of offering the lowest data costs globally, making digital access a reality for its citizens. Building on this success, the Malawi Communications Regulatory Authority (MACRA) has launched an initiative to reduce smartphone prices, further bridging the digital divide.

MACRA is engaging with stakeholders, including mobile network operators, device manufacturers, and distributors, to explore strategies for affordable smartphones. The aim is to make smartphones accessible to more Malawians, enhancing their online experience and fostering digital inclusion.

In his keynote address in Mzuzu on Wednesday at National Youth Conversations 3rd Series marking this year’s International Youth Day (IYD) MACRA Director General Daudi Suleman said with data costs already at an all-time low, reducing smartphone prices will cement Malawi’s position as a leader in affordable digital access.

“This move is expected to boost economic growth, education, and healthcare outcomes, transforming lives across the country. MACRA’s efforts align with the government’s vision of a digitally empowered Malawi, paving the way for a brighter, more connected future,” Suleman said.

He also highlighted that the National Youth Conversations 3rd Series be a reminder that ‘Youth Conversations’ take place monthly ignites discussions on various topical areas for the next 30 days until another theme is launches focused on a particular thematic issue of importance on the journey towards the Malawi 2063 youth centric agenda.

“Bridging the Digital Divide: Are Malawian Youth ready to lead in the Digital Revolution towards MW 2063?” should seek to catalyze Malawian youth to engagement in solution-focused conversations and to develop a sense of urgency and responsibility, rather than to just complain and place the blame on others, such as authorities.

Rex Chapota, Executive Director for the National Youth Council of Malawi expounded on the themes, “From Clicks to Progress: Youth Digital Pathways for Sustainable Development,” underscoring the critical link between technology and achieving the Malawi (MW) Agenda 2063 and the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

“Malawian youth have designed this year’s event with the national youth conversation, ‘Bridging the Digital Divide’ by hosting the 3rd series of the Monthly National Youth Conversations on August 14, 2024 in Mzuzu city delving into the theme questioning if Malawian youth are ready to lead in the digital revolution towards Malawi 2063, a timely discussion aligning with the global call to celebrate youth-driven digital innovation as a force for sustainable development,” said Chapota.

The founder and Executive Director for the Mzuzu E-Hub, Joanna Kambuzi called for more efforts in training the upcoming future leaders who are still lacking skills and knowledge, contributing to the human capital investment towards harnessing the demographic dividends.

“Youth represents a catalyst for change, their energy is transforming how we work and how we support government. This focus is helping us adopt a forward-thinking culture, cultivate innovative partnerships and embrace new perspectives. As the country stands at a critical juncture, guided by the aspirations of long-term prosperity in its Malawi 2063 plan, this is an opportunity to do development differently and we stand ready for the next stage,” said Kambuzi.

In light of this year’s NYCOM’s theme, the United Nations Sustainable Development Cooperation Framework (UNSDCF) 2024 – 2028 prioritizes young people in its design and content, ensuring that policies and investments in education, skills development, decent jobs, entrepreneurship, health and more, directly address the needs of young people.