By Brenda Nkosi
Government has expanded the rollout of free public Wi-Fi services under the Digital Malawi Acceleration Project (DMAP), with several public institutions in Blantyre now connected to the service.
Minister of Information and Digitalisation Dr. Shadric Namalomba on Wednesday inspected selected sites benefiting from the initiative, including the National Library and Blantyre Main Market, before visiting Ryberg Starck Limited, a technology hub supported through the project.
At the National Library, Dr. Namalomba noted that the availability of free internet is improving access to digital learning materials for students and researchers.
At Blantyre Main Market, he observed that vendors are using the service to access real time market information, helping them make informed business decisions and improve their operations.
“We are pleased that our main libraries across the country are providing patrons with free Wi-Fi, allowing them to access vital study materials online.
“At the Blantyre Main Market, vendors are now operating within a global community, accessing real time market information for free at all times,” said Namalomba.
While commending the progress, the Minister urged implementers to strengthen supporting systems such as reliable power supply, increased bandwidth and regular maintenance to ensure uninterrupted connectivity.One of the vendors, Irish potato trader Collings Phiri, said the availability of free internet has improved business operations at the market and widened access to customers.
He said traders are now able to communicate with farmers and other vendors across different areas, enabling them to identify better prices and strengthen supply chains.
“We are thankful to the government for this modern development. We can now connect with fellow farmers and vendors across the country to find the best prices. It also allows us to learn new trading skills and discover growth opportunities,” said Phiri.
The Digital Malawi Acceleration Project is being implemented by the Government through the Public Private Partnership Commission (PPPC), with support from a 150 million US dollar World Bank financing facility aimed at advancing the country’s digital transformation agenda.
