The Malawi Communications Regulatory Authority (MACRA) has pledged full support to Airtel Malawi amid a surge in what it calls deliberate and coordinated sabotage of the country’s fibre network, warning that such attacks pose a grave threat to national development.
Speaking at a media briefing in Lilongwe, MACRA’s Director of Broadcasting, Zamdziko Mankhamba, emphasised the urgency of collective action to protect critical infrastructure and raise public awareness about the consequences of network vandalism.
“We did sympathise with Airtel because what has been presented here is uncalled for, and this needs concerted efforts so that all of us can move forward and assist Airtel with sensitisation,” Mankhamba said. “People need to understand the extent of the destruction and its impact on development.”
Airtel Malawi, which operates a fibre network spanning over 2,000 kilometres, reported an alarming rise in simultaneous fibre cuts across multiple regions—an indication of deliberate attacks.
These incidents have severely disrupted communication services essential for healthcare, education, mobile money, and remote work.
“These aren’t just attacks on Airtel,” said Mphatso Manda, Airtel Malawi’s Network Director. “They’re attacks on every Malawian who depends on connectivity.”
In response, Airtel is urging the public to report any suspicious activity by calling its toll-free hotline (460) and has offered a reward for information leading to the arrest of the culprits.
MACRA has also announced plans to collaborate with broadcasters and the Media Council of Malawi to launch a nationwide sensitisation campaign, aimed at informing citizens about the importance of safeguarding telecom infrastructure and the far-reaching effects of its sabotage.
As the threats persist, both MACRA and Airtel are rallying the nation to treat connectivity not as a luxury, but as a lifeline that must be protected by all.
