Tag Archives: MACRA Director General Daud Suleman

Malawi, Technology

MACRA defends integrated system purchase for tracking misinformation, disinformation on public social media platforms

MaraviPost

LILONGWE-(MaraviPost)-Malawi Communication Regulatory Authority (MACRA) has cleared the mist of using the integrated system to monitor, surveillance people’s privacy.

MACRA’s Director General Daud Suleman told the news conference on Tuesday, January 21, 2025 in the capital Lilongwe that the system only focuses on social media trends not private conversations.

Suleman added that the system will focus on scanning websites, Facebook posts that carry misinformation and disinformation.

On funding the system amid prevailing economic challenges, Suleman justified the decision arguing that the authority is working with its mandate of its own resources generated from services it provides to digital space.

MACRA intends to award a contract to HASHCOM Ghana Limited for the supply, delivery, installation, commissioning, and testing of an integrated system to track misinformation and disinformation trends in Malawi.

MACRA says a contract for the supply, delivery, installation, commissioning, and testing of this integrated system will soon be awarded to HASHCOM Ghana Limited.

MACRA’s Director General Suleman, highlighted the critical need for regulatory tools in the digital age.

“As a regulatory body, MACRA has a responsibility to protect consumers from the dangers of misinformation on digital platforms. Relying solely on manual approaches to address these issues is inefficient.

“This system will provide the evidence we need to regulate effectively, instil confidence in digital platforms, and ensure the safety of online spaces,” Suleman said.

He emphasized that public trust in the digital ecosystem is vital, not only for user safety but also for sustaining revenue streams in the digital economy.

“When people lose trust in mobile and digital platforms, they shy away from using them, which can negatively impact our economy. This initiative will also empower Malawians by building awareness and equipping them to report digital misconduct,” he added.

Thokozani Chimbe, Director of Legal Affairs at MACRA, assured the public that the system will be implemented with respect for individual rights and privacy.

“The monitoring tool is designed to counter fake news and misinformation without infringing on people’s freedoms.

“We are committed to a balanced approach that addresses cybercrime while respecting the rights of all citizens,” Chimbe explained.

Suleman further clarified that the contract award process adhered to all required bidding procedures.

He revealed that the system will be integrated with major social media platforms, including Facebook, X (formerly Twitter), and LinkedIn, to effectively track and analyse online trends.

The project, valued at $1.5 million, is expected to be completed by the end of January 2025.

MACRA expressed confidence that this initiative will play a crucial role in creating a safer and more reliable digital space for Malawians.

Through this proactive approach, MACRA aims to strengthen trust in digital platforms and safeguard the country’s online environment from the growing threats of misinformation and cybercrime.

Business

Airtel Malaw is here to stay: Gets new 10 years operating licence

Maravi Post Reporter

LILONGWE-(MaraviPost)-The Malawi Communications Regulatory Authority (Macra) has issued a new operating licence to Airtel Malawi plc for another 10 years.

The new licence marks exactly 25 years since Malawi Stock Exchange -listed firm was granted its initial licence on February 5, 1999 and subsequently renewed it for another 10 years in February 2014.

Addressing reporters on Tuesday night, February 5, 2024 in the capital Lilongwe, Airtel Malawi managing director Charles Kamoto said that the new licence gives the company a challenge to do more on Digitalization.

Kamoto addes that the new mandate is a memorable and remarkable occasion for Airtel Malawi, the entire telecommunications sector and the country, considering the significant contributions Airtel Malawi has made to the country since 2014.

“This a great day for us considering the contribution we have made. We have invested US$176 million in infrastructure since we got established.

“Currently, we have connected seven million customers of which two million are using data.”

Macra issued three licences to Airtel Malawi, including, an application service licence, network facility licence and network services licence.

Macra Director General Daudi Suleman expects quality delivery of digital and network provision.

“This new licence gives Airtel a challenge to do better. We don’t want erratic network,” says Suleman.

With 25 years in operation, Airtel network has reached over 88% of the Malawi population.

Malawi, Technology

“Monetise digital content for radio, TV’ survival”-MACRA Chief Suleman challenges broadcasters

Lloyd M’bwana

LILONGWE-(MaraviPost)-The country’s broadcasters have been challenged to produce quality content for the digital platforms in a bid to generate enough revenues for their survival amid economic turmoil globally.

Malawi Communications Regulatory Authority (MACRA) Director General Daud Suleman dared broadcasters to walk with the digital world when programming to local viewers and beyond.

Suleman made an appeal to the managers of various electronic media in the just-opened two-day broadcasters conference in the capital Lilongwe.

MACRA DG observes that proper usage and creativity of digital platforms generate monies and revenues that can employ more young graduates.

“It’s sad to note that year in and year out many journalists, and broadcasters graduate from public and private colleges and universities but there are no jobs for them. However, TV and radio owners and managers must embrace digital platforms with creative content to generate extra revenues for survival.

“Quality content with creativity attracts viewers to TV and radio programming. Have TV and radio content that can generate more money than the usual approach of the audience. MACRA can licence over 200 broadcasters but we are afraid of their survival”, observes Suleman.

He adds, “With quality digital content, local broadcasters can have bargaining power with digital service providers for revenue collection for radio and TV sustainability”.

In his remarks, Information Minister Moses Kunkuyu agrees with Suleman in embracing digital platforms, “Digital services have taken center stage in driving the economies of countries across the globe. In response to this, the Government developed a National Digitalization Policy to give direction on the usage of ICTs by the people of this country.

“The policy emphasizes the need to reach out to the rural and underserved areas to bridge the communication gap that has existed for a long time between the urban and rural areas. Considering that Malawi’s rural masses account for a higher population that is also active in economic endeavors, it is only sensible to ensure that such a large population is not left behind in the digital economy”.

He said although there are over 90 broadcasters in Malawi, the country will not make meaningful headway if it continues to broadcast foreign content.

Kunkuyu observes that Malawians are being fed more foreign content.

The minister therefore urged the broadcasters to generate more local content that promotes hope and not desperation.

He however said the future is bright for those broadcasters who create the right content for Malawians.

Under the theme, “Shaping the future of broadcasting through digital technologies,” a two-day conference has attracted managers from electronic media houses including TV, and radio stations across the country.

Malawi Communications Regulatory Authority (MACRA) is hosting a broadcasters’ conference from December 18-19, 2023 at Bigu International Convention Centre (BICC).