The Malawi Communications Regulatory Authority (MACRA) has unveiled digital transformation initiatives aimed at strengthening cybersecurity, improving public safety, expanding national addressing services and enhancing electronic waste management.
MACRA director general Dr Mayamiko Nkoloma outlined the reforms during a briefing to the Parliamentary Committee on Government Assurances and Public Sector Reforms, saying the projects are designed to modernise Malawi’s digital ecosystem and improve public service delivery.
The initiatives form part of efforts to strengthen digital infrastructure, public safety systems and data capabilities.
Among the flagship projects is the establishment of a National Digital Forensics Laboratory at the Malawi Police Service headquarters in Area 30, Lilongwe.
According to Nkoloma, the facility will enhance the country’s capacity to investigate cybercrime, preserve digital evidence and provide specialised forensic support to law enforcement agencies.
MACRA is also proposing an artificial intelligence-powered Smart City pilot in Blantyre to improve public safety, traffic management and emergency response.
The pilot will feature intelligent surveillance cameras, number plate recognition systems, pedestrian and traffic monitoring technologies, a central command centre and real-time coordination among government agencies.
The initial rollout is expected to cover Chichiri Roundabout, MUBAS pedestrian crossing, Clock Tower Roundabout and Limbe Market.
In addition, MACRA reported progress under the National Addressing System, with 11,367 streets named and 472,674 properties assigned addresses across cities, municipal councils and district headquarters.
The authority has signed a non-disclosure agreement with Google to update Malawi’s street datasets on Google Maps, [expected to improve] navigation, emergency response and access to services.
On environmental sustainability, MACRA is promoting the National E-Waste Management Policy to establish a coordinated framework for the safe collection, disposal and recycling of electronic waste.
Nkoloma said the reforms demonstrate MACRA’s commitment to building a secure, inclusive and resilient digital economy while supporting efficient public service delivery, safer communities and sustainable technological development.
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