The Malawian government has announced a major plan to link 2,000 rural secondary schools to the internet through the “Connect A School” project, spearheaded by the Malawi Communications Regulatory Authority (MACRA).
The initiative was unveiled by the Minister of Information and Communication Technology, Shadric Namalomba, during a visit to the ICT laboratory at the Community Day Secondary School in Phalula, Balaka. Minister Namalomba highlighted the government’s dedication to embedding the project within Malawi’s broader national development strategy, Malawi 2063, which prioritises information technology skills as a vital component for progress. Participating schools will receive computer labs and internet connectivity, marking a significant step toward digital inclusion in the country.
Mphatso Phiri, acting director general of MACRA, explained that the program aims not only to provide essential digital infrastructure but also to equip young Malawians with digital skills necessary for securing employment in an increasingly connected world. The initiative has already shown promising results; Francis Chimwaza, director of the Community Day Secondary School in Phalula, noted that since the installation of their computer lab in 2023, the school’s performance in national examinations has improved, with students achieving scores ranging from 17 to 19 points in the Malawi School Certificate of Education.
This effort comes amid ongoing challenges in digital access across Malawi. A study conducted by MACRA and reported by the Malawi Broadcasting Corporation revealed that nearly six million students in rural areas lack access to computers. Furthermore, a 2024 report by Paradigm Initiative found that 46% of Malawians do not use the internet because they are unaware of what it is, despite recent political and structural reforms. The government’s five-year digital economy strategy, launched in 2021 and set to run until 2026, aims to increase internet access from 14.6% to 80% of the population and expand broadband coverage to 95%, reflecting Malawi’s commitment to bridging the digital divide.
