Malawi: Airtel Secures 10-Year Renewed License, Highlights Over K50 Billion Contribution to MACRA

During a media briefing in Lilongwe, Airtel Malawi PLC Managing Director, Charles Kamoto, highlighted the significant contributions made by the company to Malawi's economic development. Kamoto revealed that Airtel has paid over MK59.4 billion to the Malawi Communications Regulatory Authority (MACRA) for various levies, fees, and spectrum, along with an additional MK17.6 billion in international interconnect levies.

Moreover, Kamoto emphasized Airtel's substantial investments in network infrastructure, totaling over 176 million USD. These investments have resulted in the deployment of over 1,100 sites offering 2G, 3G, and 4G services, thereby expanding network coverage to 88.2% of the country and serving 86.7% of the population.

In addition to infrastructure development, Airtel has significantly contributed to job creation and entrepreneurship in Malawi. The company's distribution network comprises 28,000 SIM selling outlets and 115,000 airtime-recharge selling outlets, fostering self-employment opportunities across the country.

Furthermore, Airtel has successfully connected over 7 million customers to its network, with 2.6 million utilizing data services. The company has played a pivotal role in increasing smartphone penetration to 29.1%, enabling more Malawians to access the digital world. Additionally, Airtel has introduced home broadband and fixed data solutions, providing fast and reliable internet connectivity to both households and businesses, further driving digital inclusion and economic growth in Malawi.

In addition to its financial contributions and infrastructure investments, Airtel Malawi has been actively involved in community development initiatives. Through various corporate social responsibility (CSR) programs, the company has supported sports, disaster relief efforts, education, and healthcare initiatives, demonstrating its commitment to social welfare and community development. Since 2016, Airtel Malawi has also contributed significantly to government revenue through corporate tax payments, totaling over MK69 billion.

Airtel Malawi expressed appreciation to President Chakwera for creating a conducive environment for the growth of the communication sector in Malawi. The company acknowledged collaborative efforts between regulatory bodies such as MACRA and the Ministry of Information and Digitalization, which have facilitated an environment conducive to innovation, investment, and development within the sector.

With the renewal of its license, Airtel Malawi reaffirmed its commitment to serving the nation and enriching lives through its services. The company assured the regulator, MACRA, of its dedication to fulfilling its mission and continuing to contribute to the development of Malawi's communication sector.

MACRA Director General, Daud Sulemani, highlighted the significance of Airtel Malawi's license renewal, noting that it reflects investor confidence in the communication sector. He emphasized the importance of digitalization in driving economic development, particularly as Malawi progresses towards its vision for 2063. Sulemani outlined the regulator's focus on improving quality of service and expanding digitalization efforts to increase internet penetration, aiming to reach 60% by the year 2028.

Airtel Malawi Plc has a significant history in the country, spanning 25 years since it was granted its first license in 1999. Over this period, the company has played a pivotal role in the development of the telecommunications sector in Malawi, contributing to the country's connectivity and digital transformation. As one of the leading telecom operators in Malawi, Airtel has continually evolved its services, infrastructure, and community engagement initiatives to meet the evolving needs of its customers and contribute to the socioeconomic development of the nation.