Govt Seeks Tax Breaks on Smartphones
The Connect a TTC initiative aims to connect teacher training colleges across Malawi to enhance learning through technology.
BLANTYRE, Malawi - The Ministry of Information in conjunction with the Malawi Communication Regulatory Authority (MACRA) is lobbying for a two-year tax bracket on smart devices to make smartphones more affordable in the country, writes Elita Nkalo.
Currently only 1 million of Malawi's 13.5 million SIM card holders have smart devices, according to Minister of Information Moses Kumkuyu.
"As government we are lobbying for a tax holiday of some taxes on smart gadgets, and Macra being a regulator is on the forefront driving the agenda," Kunkuyu said Thursday during the launch of the Connect a TTC initiative, a project spearheaded by MACRA, in Phalombe.
Kunkuyu said the tax break would ensure smartphone prices are affordable, thereby promoting digitalization.
The Connect a TTC project will provide 10 teacher training colleges with information technology services, including 10 new computers for Phalombe TTC.
Acting Principal for Phalombe TTC Carolyne Malowa Chirwa said the new computers "will shape the learning experiences of the student teachers."
"The computers will reduce the computer teacher ratio and equip them with skills in the digital era once they are deployed in different schools," Malowa Chirwa said.
The Connect a TTC initiative aims to connect teacher training colleges across Malawi to enhance learning through technology.