Malawi, Zambia Governments Ink Agreement to Boost Internet Connectivity
This agreement signifies a significant step toward making the Internet more accessible and affordable for the citizens of Malawi and Zambia.
Lilongwe, Malawi- In a significant diplomatic move, the governments of Malawi and Zambia have officially signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) aimed at enhancing the diplomatic data corridor that facilitates internet transmission between the two nations, writes Moses Nyirenda.
The MoU signing ceremony, held on Thursday in Lilongwe, saw Moses Kunkuyu, Minister of Information and Digitization, express the profound impact of this agreement on internet accessibility and affordability.
Kunkuyu emphasized that the primary goal of this partnership is to reduce internet costs for consumers within Malawi.
"Today marks a momentous occasion as we witness the signing ceremony of the Memorandum of Understanding between Malawi and Zambia. The primary objective is to lower the cost of data. Malawi, being a landlocked country, relies on undersea cables for data connectivity, which incurs significant operational expenses. These costs are often transferred to the consumers," stated Kunkuyu.
He further explained that the agreement would lead to a reduction in the operational expenses associated with data transmission, which, in turn, would result in lower costs for Malawian internet users.
Kunkuyu stressed that reduced internet prices would enable people in the country to enjoy increased access to online resources in critical sectors such as health, education, agriculture, trade, and e-commerce.
Kunkuyu extended his gratitude to the Government of Zambia for its commitment to collaborating with the Malawian government to improve internet accessibility in both countries.
Addressing the audience, Felix Mutati, Zambia's Minister of Technology and Science, who presided over the MoU signing ceremony, echoed Kunkuyu's sentiments. Mutati highlighted that the common challenge of high internet costs has hindered internet access in both nations.
"What we have observed is that one of the key barriers to internet access has been the cost, which we are now addressing," said Mutati.
He further elaborated that affordable internet in Malawi and Zambia would open up new business opportunities between the two countries.
Additionally, Mutati stressed that low-cost internet would play a transformative role in sectors such as health, education, and agriculture in both nations.
The Memorandum of Understanding was signed between the Ministry of Information and Digitization (Malawi) and the Ministry of Technology and Science (Zambia).
As part of the ceremony, a commercial agreement was also signed between the Electricity Supply Corporation Of Malawi (ESCOM) and Fibrecom Limited, a Zambia-based internet service provider.
This agreement signifies a significant step toward making the Internet more accessible and affordable for the citizens of Malawi and Zambia, fostering economic development and innovation in various sectors.