Malawi Selected for EU-Funded AfricaBBMaps Initiative
Malawi has been chosen as a beneficiary of the AfricaBBMaps initiative, a bold project funded by the European Union and led by the International Telecommunication Union (ITU). This project aims to implement national broadband mapping systems across eleven Sub-Saharan African countries, including Malawi, Ivory Coast, Nigeria, Benin, Ethiopia, Kenya, Uganda, Botswana, Zambia, Zimbabwe, and Burundi. With an investment of €15 million over four years (2024-2027), AfricaBBMaps seeks to enhance digital infrastructure in these nations.
The announcement was made at the ITU Global Symposium for Regulators (GSR) in Kampala, Uganda. Mrs. Bridget Chibwana, Chairperson of the Malawi Communications Regulatory Authority (MACRA), expressed her gratitude and optimism for the initiative, emphasizing its potential to advance Malawi’s digital connectivity efforts.
AfricaBBMaps is both a significant and opportune intervention that has the potential to bolster Malawi’s existing digital inclusion programs. I extend my heartfelt thanks to both the EU and ITU for choosing Malawi as a beneficiary country for the coming four years, a decision that we deeply appreciate.
Mrs. Bridget Chibwana, Chairperson, Malawi Communications Regulatory Authority (MACRA)
The AfricaBBMaps project will establish broadband mapping systems to produce validated data identifying gaps in internet connectivity coverage, quality, and affordability in beneficiary countries. This data-driven approach aims to facilitate strategic investments in digital infrastructure, promising a brighter future for information and communication technologies (ICT) in Malawi.
Mrs. Chibwana also highlighted that MACRA has recently concluded a national telecommunications infrastructure audit, which will provide valuable insights for developing the national mapping system under the AfricaBBMaps project.
As a member state of ITU, Malawi benefits from the organization’s commitment to connecting all people globally, ensuring accessible and affordable ICT for everyone. This initiative aligns with ITU’s mission to bridge the digital divide and enhance global connectivity.
The AfricaBBMaps project marks a significant step forward in Malawi’s journey towards comprehensive digital inclusion and robust broadband connectivity, paving the way for sustainable development and economic growth in the digital age.
