Malawi has made major strides in expanding digital infrastructure, but millions of people remain offline as the high cost of smartphones and internet services continues to limit access.
Information and Communication Technology Minister Shadric Namalomba says 87 percent of the country is covered by 4G smartphone networks, yet only 12.5 percent of Malawians actively use the internet.
“We have scored very well on digital infrastructure. That 87 percent coverage is remarkable. But where we are lacking and need serious discussion and intervention is in internet penetration,” Namalomba said.
The contrast is stark: despite the extensive network coverage, only 12.5 percent of Malawians actively access the internet, leaving about 80 percent offline.
For many people, the problem begins with the cost of smartphones. Namalomba says expensive devices are preventing Malawians from accessing opportunities available through the digital world.
“The challenge is that smartphones are too expensive. I urge telecommunication companies to invest in more affordable smartphones so that everyone can access the digital world. This would also benefit our economy,” he said.
Namalomba has challenged telecommunications companies, including TNM and Airtel, to introduce flexible, credit-based smartphone financing models to enable more people to acquire devices.
He says increased access to smartphones must also be supported by digital literacy training and more local-language content so that people can meaningfully use the internet once they are connected.
The minister has also called for consideration of reducing digital taxes to make digital services more accessible, while Finance Minister Joseph Mwanamvekha says government will look into the matter, noting that some levies were introduced temporarily because of the country’s economic situation.
The stakes extend beyond simply being able to browse the internet. Greater connectivity could open opportunities in education, employment, entrepreneurship, digital financial services and access to information, particularly for young people.
Namalomba projects that increasing internet penetration to 30 percent by 2030 could double the ICT sector’s current 6.5 percent contribution to Malawi’s Gross Domestic Product.
Therefore, the digital challenge is no longer simply about building networks. It is about ensuring that ordinary citizens can afford the smartphones, data and skills required to turn those networks into real opportunities.
