MACRA Chief Urges Collaboration for Digital Revolution in Malawi
The event brought together youth from all districts in Malawi's Northern region to discuss the digital future of the country.
MZUZU, Malawi— The head of Malawi's communications regulator called for collaborative efforts to advance the country's digital revolution during an International Youth Day event on Wednesday, writes Victor Musongole.
Daud Suleman, Director General of the Malawi Communication Regulation Authority (MACRA), emphasized the need for stakeholders to work together to improve access to digital services.
Speaking at the Grand Palace in Mzuzu, Suleman highlighted that 40% of Malawians lack internet access.
He outlined MACRA's plans to address this gap, including a Local Smart Device Assembly initiative to produce low-cost smartphones domestically.
"We need a multi-sectoral approach for citizens to have access to digital services at a reasonable distance," Suleman said. He also urged youth to use the internet responsibly to avoid cybercrime.
The event, part of the International Youth Day 2024 commemoration, focused on "Bridging the Digital Divide."
It followed similar gatherings in Blantyre and Lilongwe.
Duncan Chiyani, Executive Board Chair of the National Youth Council of Malawi, said the unscripted conversations aim to give young people a platform to voice their concerns.
Chomola Mikeka, Director of Science Technology and Innovation at the Ministry of Education, revealed that curriculum reviews are underway to incorporate digital education in schools.
However, he noted that connectivity remains a major challenge, with only 34% of primary schools and 82% of secondary schools connected to the power grid.
"We want to align to the fourth industrial revolution by having digital subjects before 2027," Mikeka said.
The event brought together youth from all districts in Malawi's Northern region to discuss the digital future of the country.