Malawi moves to expand digital connectivity with over 90 new communication towers

By:  Nana Appiah Acquaye

Efforts to expand digital connectivity across Malawi are gaining momentum as the Universal Service Fund advances plans under the Digital Malawi Acceleration Project (DMAP) to roll out more than 90 new communication towers nationwide.

The initiative, supported by the World Bank, is aimed at addressing connectivity gaps in underserved and rural communities, where access to reliable digital infrastructure remains limited. A recent assessment indicated that Malawi requires more than 1,000 additional towers to achieve comprehensive network coverage.

During a consultative meeting held in Blantyre, the Malawi Communications Regulatory Authority (MACRA), through DMAP, engaged mobile network operators, internet service providers, satellite companies, and other key stakeholders to outline the project’s scope and the next phase of implementation, including the procurement of service providers.

MACRA Director General Daud Suleman Mayamiko emphasized that while DMAP is committed to delivering 100 towers, the Authority will continue to allocate resources from its annual budget through the Universal Service Fund to support further infrastructure deployment. He noted, however, that existing funding levels remain insufficient to fully meet the country’s connectivity needs.

The Digital Malawi Acceleration Project is designed to extend and enhance access to critical ICT infrastructure for both public and private sector use, with a focus on delivering inclusive, reliable digital services. The rollout of new towers is expected to improve access to communication services, support economic activity, and accelerate Malawi’s broader digital transformation agenda.