LILONGWE-(MaraviPost)-The Malawi Communication Regulatory Authority (MACRA) is holding an ‘Open week’ aimed at providing an interactive forum with operators and consumers across the country.
This is in line with Malawi 2063, in which the government through the Ministry of Information and Digitalisation is investing in crucial ICT, and infrastructure, promoting digital literacy and skills development, and fostering collaboration between the public and private sectors.
Speaking during the central region session on Tuesday, July 17, 2024, in the capital Lilongwe Secretary for Information and Digitalisation, Baldwin Chiyamwaka said the Open Week offers an opportunity for all stakeholders to collectively work together to foster a vibrant and inclusive Information and Communication Technology (ICT) sector in Malawi.
“The government is committed to promoting ICT and has different initiatives in motion like the installation of free public Wi-Fi at various sites, such as markets and airports, and the development of the Malawi Interoperability and Data Exchange Platform (Enterprise Service Bus).
“Several ICT labs are being constructed in community day secondary schools to promote the use of ICT services and the provision of Wi-Fi internet services and the provision of Wi-Fi internet connectivity,” he said.
MACRA Board Chairperson, Bridget Chibwana said MACRA will continue with the open days to enhance interaction with players in the digital and telecommunications sector.
She said through this Open week, MACRA is committed to ensuring that its actions and decisions are open to scrutiny and that stakeholders have a clear understanding of regulatory requirements and processes.
“During this week, we will highlight key projects, innovations, and initiatives that are shaping the future of the ICT sector in Malawi. These include advancements in digital infrastructure, efforts to enhance connectivity, and initiatives aimed at bridging the digital divide,” explained Chibwana.
At the Open Day, the regulatory authority interacted with directors, current licensees, prospective licensees, consumers, and other players in the digital and telecommunication industry to highlight MACRA’s mandate and key development projects.