Malawi and Zambia Strengthen Internet Connectivity Through MOU and Commercial Agreement

Malawi and Zambia Strengthen Internet Connectivity Through MOU and Commercial Agreement

Under the leadership of Minister Moses Kunkuyu and Minister Felix Mutati, the governments of Malawi and Zambia have joined forces to enhance their countries’ internet infrastructure. This collaboration is designed to not only improve connectivity but also make data more affordable for their citizens.

Key Areas of Cooperation

The MOU outlines several key areas of cooperation between the two nations. These include telecommunications, ICT policy and regulation, spectrum management, satellite communications, cybersecurity, and the exploration of opportunities for joint ventures in digitalization and ICT.

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Commercial Agreement for Connectivity

In addition to the MOU, the two governments have successfully concluded a Commercial Agreement involving the state-owned Electricity Supply Corporation of Malawi (Escom) and Zambia’s FibreCom. This agreement will allow Malawi to acquire internet connectivity capacity from FibreCom at a reduced cost. This step is crucial in achieving Malawi’s objective of making connectivity more accessible and affordable.

Advancing Diplomatic Relations

The collaboration between Malawi and Zambia has not only paved the way for improved connectivity but also strengthened diplomatic relations. The successful signing of these agreements represents a significant milestone in the two countries’ efforts to transform ideas into tangible progress.

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Impacts on Trade and Investment

The MOU and Commercial Agreement are anticipated to have positive effects on trade and investment in the ICT sectors of both nations. With improved connectivity, the ease of doing business is expected to increase, enabling individuals and governments to make data-driven decisions.

Economic and Societal Benefits

Zambia’s Minister of Science and Technology, Felix Mutati, highlighted the barriers faced by both countries due to high connectivity costs. The agreements are expected to bring down data costs, enabling businesses and individuals to utilize data more effectively. This enhanced accessibility is poised to stimulate economic growth and improve the overall quality of life.

The collaboration between Malawi and Zambia through the MOU and Commercial Agreement marks a significant achievement in the journey towards improved internet connectivity and reduced data prices. This partnership not only addresses the challenges of high connectivity costs but also sets the stage for further advancements in digitalization and efficient service delivery.