The Minister of Information and Communications Technology, Shadric Namalomba, on 14 May visited the Malawi Research and Education Network (MAREN) and the University of Malawi to assess progress under Malawi’s national digital transformation initiatives, including the completed Digital Malawi Project (DigMAP) and the ongoing Digital Malawi Acceleration Project (DMAP).

The visit brought together officials from the Ministry of Information and Communications Technology, the University of Malawi, the Public Private Partnership Commission (PPPC), and MAREN, a key implementing institution in the country’s digital connectivity agenda.

Government, PPPC, UNIMA and MAREN Delegates during the engagement

The original Digital Malawi Project (2017–2024), funded by the World Bank, included a Digital Connectivity component aimed at improving access to high-speed, affordable internet for government, citizens, and businesses. Under its connectivity pillar, the project supported interventions to strengthen network competitiveness, expand infrastructure investment, and improve access in underserved areas.

A key part of this component was connectivity for public institutions, including higher education institutions, where MAREN was operationalised to implement dedicated broadband services for universities and colleges. The project also laid the foundation for continued national digital infrastructure development.

MAREN CEO Solomon Dindi showcases DigMAP-funded server infrastructure to the Minister of Information and Communications Technology, Hon. Dr. Shadric Namalomba

Building on these gains, the Digital Malawi Acceleration Project is now underway, with plans to deploy approximately 2,000 kilometres of fibre-optic infrastructure and expand improved connectivity to around 2,000 schools and 500 government offices.

Speaking during the engagement, MAREN Chief Executive Officer Solomon Dindi said the network has delivered significant improvements in connectivity within the higher education sector.

“Prior to MAREN’s operationalisation, connectivity levels were extremely poor. We have moved from 7 units per student to 128 units per student. While this is still below the international benchmark of 2000 units, it reflects meaningful progress and provides a strong foundation for continued improvement,” said Dindi.

Solomon Dindi, MAREN CEO

Vice Chancellor of the University of Malawi, Samson Sajidu, commended the initiative, noting that it has resulted in a significant improvement in internet access and digital learning conditions at the institution.

The Vice Chancellor said the strengthened connectivity has enhanced teaching, learning, and research activities across the university.

Professor Samson Sajidu, UNIMA Vice Chancellor

Minister Namalomba described the broader digital transformation agenda under both the completed Digital Malawi Project and the ongoing Acceleration Project as a key driver of Malawi’s development aspirations under Malawi Vision 2063.

He commended the World Bank for its continued support and acknowledged MAREN’s role in strengthening connectivity within higher education institutions.

The Minister further challenged MAREN to explore the expansion of its mandate to support connectivity in primary and secondary schools, as well as government institutions, in line with the Public Institution Connectivity subcomponent of the Digital Malawi Acceleration Project

He also noted that the establishment of public Wi-Fi access points, particularly in Chikanda—where the majority of off-campus students at the University of Malawi reside—would enhance access to online learning resources while students are off campus.

Shadric Namalomba, The Minister of Information and Communications Technology

At the end of the visit, MAREN and the University of Malawi reaffirmed their commitment to sustaining reliable connectivity through continuous monitoring, maintenance, and optimisation of digital infrastructure across the campus.

The visit underscored the distinct yet connected roles of the completed Digital Malawi Project and the ongoing Digital Malawi Acceleration Project in strengthening Malawi’s digital ecosystem. Stakeholders expressed optimism that continued investment in institutional connectivity will accelerate digital inclusion, enhance education delivery, and support the country’s long-term socio-economic development goals.