Malawi's communications regulator has recommended the installation of artificial intelligence (AI)-powered surveillance cameras to tackle crime in Blantyre, the country's finance and commerce hub.
The Malawi Communications Regulatory Authority (MACRA) made the recommendation following an engagement with Blantyre City Assembly officials this past weekend.
The cameras would fall under the Smart City Surveillance Initiative, which MACRA outlined earlier this year.
"The smart AI cameras will help reduce theft and other criminal activities within the city," said Mayamiko Nkoloma, MACRA director-general. "Through collaboration with the Malawi Police Service and the Road Traffic Directorate, the system will strengthen crime prevention and response efforts."
Nkoloma said recent security incidents in the city made improved surveillance necessary. These include the high-profile kidnapping this month of a British national, who was later rescued by police, amid rising concerns over urban crime and infrastructure vandalism.
Blantyre, the commercial capital, has an estimated population of more than 932 000 and has experienced deteriorating security, including daylight robberies, vandalism and cable theft.
In the political capital, Lilongwe, the government is deploying a strategic public closed-circuit television camera network, although the rollout has faced infrastructure-related delays, including vandalism and cable theft.
Costly Chanza, chief executive officer of the Blantyre City Council, welcomed MACRA's proposal.
Chanza noted that the Blantyre 2024 Blueprint, officially the Blantyre Urban Structure Plan (2024–2039), prioritises safety and security.
ITWeb Africa reported in July that MACRA had briefed Parliament's Committee on Government Assurances and Public Sector Reforms on an AI-powered Smart City pilot in Blantyre.
The pilot would combine intelligent surveillance cameras, number plate recognition, pedestrian and traffic monitoring, and a central command centre for real-time coordination among government agencies.
The initial rollout would cover Chichiri Roundabout, the MUBAS pedestrian crossing, Clock Tower Roundabout and Limbe Market.
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