For years, Malawi’s digital growth has been hindered by the high cost of foreign hosting, limited infrastructure, and inadequate control over data. Sparc Systems says its new data centre aims to change that by strengthening local capacity and enabling homegrown innovation.
The facility was launched in Lilongwe during the company’s Think Tech Thursday event, positioning itself as a response to persistent gaps in the country’s ICT ecosystem.
Managing Director Wisely Phiri said the lack of affordable local infrastructure has forced many organisations to host their data outside Malawi.
“We’re talking about innovation and Malawi becoming self-sustaining, but most companies cannot afford to build and maintain their own data infrastructure, so they end up hosting data outside,” Phiri said.
He noted that reliance on foreign systems increases operational costs due to foreign currency payments, while also raising concerns around data ownership and sovereignty.
Phiri added that the new facility provides a local alternative by offering affordable hosting services that reduce the need for heavy capital investment and support both large enterprises and smaller firms.
Paul Kanthambi, Data Centre Manager in the Department of e-Government under the Ministry of Information, said the initiative marks a significant step toward strengthening Malawi’s digital infrastructure.
“The introduction of this data centre is going to provide a secure platform where data can be stored locally and support the country’s digitalisation agenda,” he said, adding that the development aligns with Malawi 2063 and broader efforts to modernise public services.
