Malawi’s largest ISP, inq. digital , is currently upgrading internet connectivity at Gateway Mall in Lilongwe, one of the country’s busiest commercial hubs, with the installation of 21 new routers.
The company said the installation will create multiple high-speed Wi-Fi hotspots across the mall capable of delivering internet speeds of up to 200 Mbps - four times faster than the current 50 Mbps available to users.
inq. Digital, formerly known as Skyband, has been operating in Malawi since 2004 and has played a key role in expanding digital connectivity across the country. The latest upgrade is part of the company’s broader efforts to strengthen internet infrastructure and support the growing demand for fast and reliable connectivity in urban commercial spaces.
The company’s network expansion is supported by capacity sourced from the West Indian Ocean Cable Company (WIOCC), a major wholesale provider of digital infrastructure across Africa.
WIOCC has deployed over 200,000 kilometres of subsea cables and about 75,000 kilometres of terrestrial fibre networks, while also establishing 30 datacentres across the continent.
A large share of the international internet capacity that reaches Malawi is delivered through WIOCC infrastructure, helping local internet providers expand service.
Despite ongoing improvements to digital infrastructure, internet access in Malawi remains limited. Current estimates indicate that approximately 24% of the population is connected to the internet, with most users concentrated in urban areas due to gaps in middle- and last-mile connectivity.
The government looks to address the challenge through the Digital Malawi Programme, implemented with support from the World Bank Group. The initiative includes the construction of a National Data Centre in Lilongwe and the rollout of high-speed fibre connections to more than 500 hospitals and schools nationwide.
According to inq. Digital Managing Director, Limbika Kanjadza the cost of internet services has dropped sharply over the past few years.
“Five years ago, we were selling one megabyte of internet for as high as $250 …today we are selling it for less than $40,” said Kanjadza.
However, Malawi’s landlocked geographic position means internet traffic must transit through neighbouring countries such as Mozambique, Tanzania and Zambia, contributing to high connectivity costs.
Authorities are negotiating regional agreements to reduce transit charges, including a recent deal with Zambia aimed at lowering data prices.
Kanjadza said expanding internet access remains a gradual process and the country has a long way to go to digitally transforming rural and urban areas.
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