MAREN recently held a kick-off meeting in Zomba for a new initiative under the Internet Society Foundation’s Resiliency Project. Hosted at the University ’s Boardroom at the Old Central offices, the meeting marked the beginning of a project aimed at strengthening internet resilience across the country.

Funded by the Internet Society Foundation, the project focuses on ensuring that internet connectivity remains stable and accessible during natural disasters and other unexpected disruptions. This grant specifically supports efforts to build more reliable infrastructure, something that has become increasingly important in Malawi, where internet outages during emergencies are a common challenge.

In a ground-breaking move, MAREN will be the first organization in Malawi to deploy this kind of internet infrastructure. The project will use solar-powered access networks and LTE backhaul technology to expand coverage to remote and underserved areas, even those currently outside of MAREN’s reach.

But the initiative goes beyond just building infrastructure. As a key internet provider for educational, health, and research institutions in Malawi, MAREN also plans to work closely with local communities, providing training and support to improve digital literacy and readiness. By doing so, the project aims to create lasting impact, not just through better connectivity, but by empowering people to use it effectively.

Given Malawi’s vulnerability to natural disasters and the resulting disruptions to connectivity, MAREN’s initiative comes at a critical time. By ensuring uninterrupted internet access, the organization seeks to support research, education, and innovation even in the face of adversity.