The Malawi Communications Regulatory Authority (MACRA) has announced intentions to implement a national biometric SIM card registration to boost security and enhance service delivery across the country.
Under the new system, all mobile phone users will be forced to register their SIM cards, guaranteeing that all active SIMs are associated with verified individuals or companies.
MACRA has been running intensive public awareness campaigns since last year, although registration has not yet commenced. Once officially launched, the exercise will last eight months, providing subscribers enough time to comply.
The registration process will rely on biometric verification, which includes the use of fingerprints and facial recognition. These biometric details will be linked to a subscriber’s National Identity card, which serves as the most reliable source of identity.
During registration, biometric data will be matched with records from the National Registration Bureau to confirm authenticity. Once verified, the individual’s identity will be linked directly to a specific SIM card or mobile number, ensuring that only legitimate ID holders own registered SIMs.
The system significantly reduces fraud, identity theft, and illegal SIM card usage.
The initiative is also expected to curb mobile money theft, fake transactions, and common scams such as fraudulent prize messages. Additionally, it will help law enforcement agencies trace criminals who use mobile phones to commit crimes.
Beyond security, the exercise will improve service delivery, enabling more accurate and targeted communication in sectors such as agriculture, health, education, and social cash transfer programs.
Under the new rules, individuals may register up to five SIM cards per National ID, while companies are allowed 30 SIMs for data and voice services and 50 for machine-to-machine use. Any excess without MACRA authorization will constitute an offence.
MACRA emphasizes that consumer awareness will continue throughout the registration period to ensure all subscribers understand and comply with the new requirements.
MACRA head of international relations and corporate communication Limbani Nsapato told ITWeb Africa that cellphone fraud continues to be a problem in Malawi, and that they are doing all possible to put an end to the malpractice for the sake of the country.Nsapato said: "The biometric verification process requires subscribers to us fingerprints and facial recognition linked to their National Identity, which serves as the single true source of identity.
"This process verifies the identity of the consumer by matching their biometric information with records from the National Registration Bureau. Once verified, this identity is linked to a specific SIM card or mobile number.
"The initiative is being implemented to ensure that all SIM card holders are the legitimate owners of the National ID cards used during registration."
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