Malawi Communications Regulatory Authority - MACRA

05/06/2026

MACRA is proud to be part of the ICT Association of Malawi (ICTAM) 2026 International ICT Expo in Lilongwe, where Malawi’s digital future is taking shape under the theme: Unlocking Malawi’s Digital Economy. Focus areas include ICT exports, trusted payments, and fraud resilience.

Opening the Expo, Hon. Dr Shadric Namalomba, Minister of Information and Communications Technology, outlined bold plans to scale connectivity, including public institutions and schools, to be connected within 4 years with World Bank funding secured to connect 2,000 more schools.

The Minister also reminded public institutions on directive from President Professor Arthur Peter Mutharika that all public institutions must provide services through digital platforms to enhance delivery.

ICTAM President Clarence Gama set the tone for industry: “Malawi has the capacity to export digital technologies and earn much-needed forex.” He emphasized urgency and collaboration to close gaps and strengthen the digital economy.

ICTAM 2026 is where policy meets action. From expanding school connectivity to advancing e-government and building an export-ready tech sector, real progress is happening.

03/06/2026

https://www.facebook.com/share/p/1CqiHgjdwV/?mibextid=wwXIfr

The Communications Regulators’ Association of Southern Africa (CRASA) is pleased to announce the appointment of Mr. Mayamiko Nkoloma of Malawi as the new Chairperson of the Association.

This appointment comes at a pivotal time as CRASA continues to strengthen regional regulatory cooperation and deepen collaboration among Member States. The Chairperson will guide the strategic direction of the Association and support efforts aimed at advancing harmonized ICT and postal sector frameworks across Southern Africa.

We look forward to their leadership in fostering greater regional coordination, policy alignment, and innovation within the sector.

Please join us in congratulating Mr. Mayamiko Nkoloma on this appointment and wishing them every success in this important role!

Malawi Communications Regulatory Authority - MACRA

02/06/2026

Did you know??

Your right to privacy online is protected under Data Protection Act enforced by Data Protection Authority (DPA)

01/06/2026

MACRA through its Director General, Mayamiko Nkoloma was privileged to moderate a high-level panel discussion at the International Telecommunication Union Regional Development Forum Africa 2026 on “The State of Digital Development and Trends: Challenges and Opportunities in Africa.”

The Director General shared the stage with distinguished leaders from government, regulation, industry, and academia, including ministers, regulators, telecom executives, and continental digital development experts.

The discussion explored a critical reality: while over 80% of Sub-Saharan Africa’s population is covered by mobile broadband networks, meaningful digital participation remains constrained by the affordability of devices, data services, and supporting infrastructure.

The panel examined practical solutions around: Affordable internet and digital devices; Artificial Intelligence readiness and national AI strategies; Digital skills development for Africa’s youthful population, Universal connectivity challenges, including rural electrification; Regulatory and policy reforms needed to accelerate digital transformation and Leveraging emerging technologies to advance the UN Sustainable Development Goals and Africa Agenda 2063 One message stood out clearly: Africa’s digital future will be built through collaboration, not isolation.

As a continent, we must move faster in sharing successful models, harmonising regulatory approaches, and adapting proven solutions to local contexts rather than continuously reinventing the wheel. Zimbabwe’s recently launched National AI Strategy is one example of an initiative that offers valuable lessons for peer nations across Africa. The future belongs to agile regulators, innovative policymakers, and strong regional partnerships working together to build an inclusive, connected, and digitally empowered Africa.

29/05/2026

This week, USF was part of a group of experts and specialists who were called to review and validate the draft syllabus for grades 5 and 6 of the Competence Based Curriculum.

The national curriculum review is being conducted with technical expertise from the Malawi Institute of Education.

The initiative represents a significant milestone in Malawi’s ongoing efforts to build an education system that equips learners with practical knowledge, critical thinking skills, and competencies relevant to the demands of the modern world.

As a key stakeholder in Malawi’s digital and communications development agenda, MACRA recognizes the critical role that education plays in driving national development, innovation, and digital transformation.

The Authority has particularly welcomed the inclusion and strengthening of crucial modern learning areas such as digital literacy, Information and Communication Technology (ICT), coding, and cyber security within the evolving curriculum framework.

In today’s rapidly changing digital environment, learners must be equipped not only with academic knowledge but also with practical digital skills that prepare them for the future workforce and responsible digital citizenship.

As internet access and digital platforms continue to expand across Malawi, empowering children with knowledge on online safety, privacy protection, and ethical digital behaviour is becoming increasingly important.

MACRA remains committed to supporting initiatives that promote digital literacy, access to quality education, and the integration of technology into learning. Through collaboration with government ministries and education stakeholders, the Authority continues to advocate for innovative solutions that empower young people with skills needed for the future.

28/05/2026

We inspired the next generation of ICT experts when we hosted an education tour for Computer Science and Information Technology students from DMI St John the Baptist University.

The visit began with a series of presentations from MACRA officials comprising Burnet Namacha, Acting Director of Postal & E-commerce, Deputy Director of Broadcasting Kelton Masangano; and Cossam Chingancheke, Quality Assurance Manager outlined the authority’s mandate in regulating telecommunications, broadcasting, and postal services in Malawi. The presentations focused on key areas including spectrum management, cybersecurity, digital inclusion, and consumer protection.

The students were also taken on a practical tour of the technical and monitoring units. During the session, students observed the process of radio frequency monitoring, complaint handling mechanisms, and quality-of-service assessments applied to licensed service providers.

According to the students, the visit provided practical exposure to regulatory operations and highlighted potential career pathways in computer science, information technology policy, and compliance.

Delegation lead Head of the Department of Computer Science and Information Technology, Gracian Chiona expressed appreciation to MACRA for facilitating the tour, noting the experience bridged theoretical classroom learning with real-world industry practice.

28/05/2026

AFRICA DAY HIGHLIGHTS

Here are quick highlights of our Africa Day celebrations. We kept it, MACRA!!. We kept it, Africa!!
And you know the drill, right??? Watch, Like, Comment, and Share..Clock It🤏

27/05/2026

The Data Protection Authority (DPA) engaged the Postal and Courier service providers in Blantyre to sensitize them on the Data Protection Act before enforcement of the law in the sector.

During the meeting, the Authority highlighted the Data Protection principles and obligations of Postal and Courier services among others.

Head of DPA Dan Chiwoni said the Postal and Courier operators play a vital role in handling data for their customers hence need for them to be trained on how best to handle such.

Some of the issues that the Authority has observed and are of a concern include: public discussion of customer information, staff not trained on data protection obligations and unauthorized access to customer databases.

A similar meeting will be held in Lilongwe targeting operators from the central and northern regions.

26/05/2026

Dzulo ku kampani kunakoma! Mwambo okondwelera Africa Day unayenda bwino ku likulu la ofesi yathu ku Blantyre komwe ngodya za umodzi, chikhalidwe ndi mgwirizano wa ku Africa unaonetsedwa. Kulemelera kwa chikhalidwe cha ku Africa kunaonetsedwa kudzera mmavalidwe pomwe ogwira ntchito anavala makaka oimira zikhalidwe za m'maiko osiyanasiyana kuno ku Africa.

Zitenje, mikanda, maduku ndi zisoti zomwe zinavalidwa zimakamba nkhani zosiyanasiyana zokhudza mbiri komanso kusiyana kwa anthu a mitundu yosiyanasiyana.

Chikondwelerochi sichinathere pakavalidwe kokha. Ogwira ntchito nthambi zosiyanasiyana anaonetsanso luso lao pakachitidwe ka zinthu pa mpikisano ojambulitsa zithunzi omwe unalipo.

Gulu lomwe linapambana pa mpikisanowu linasankhidwa kutengera mavalidwe ngakhaleso machitidwe awo panthawi yotola zinthunzi. Gululi likadya nkhomaliro yapamwamba ya chi Malawi ku hotela ya Mount Soche ku Blantyre.

Tsikuli silikanatha bwino opanda chakudya kotero zakudya zosiyanasiyana za chi Malawi zinakonzedwa pamwambowu. Anzathu a ofesi ya ku Lilongwe anakondwelera tsikuli ku Capital Hotel.

26/05/2026

Malawi Communications Regulatory Authority (MACRA) was among the key sponsors of the 2026 School of Engineering Conference held at the Malawi University of Business and Applied Sciences (MUBAS), an event aimed at promoting innovation and skills development among students and professionals.

Guest of honour, Minister of Energy and Mining Dr. Jean Mathanga, commended MUBAS for its continued contribution to engineering innovation through its School of Engineering.Speaking during the conference, held under the theme Integrated Engineering Innovations for Industrialisation and Sustainable Infrastructure, Dr. Mathanga emphasized that engineering innovation remains critical to Malawi’s drive towards industrialisation and the development of sustainable infrastructure.

The conference, which also featured the launch of the School of Engineering Journal, provided a platform for students, academics and industry players to exchange ideas and explore practical engineering solutions for national development. It further aimed to equip students with diverse skills while fostering innovation across various engineering fields.

MUBAS Vice Chancellor Nancy Chitera highlighted the importance of the newly launched journal, describing it as a vital platform for students and researchers to publish academic work and contribute to knowledge generation. The event brought together a wide range of stakeholders, reinforcing the role of collaboration in advancing engineering solutions for Malawi’s growth.