Malawi Activates 36th Rural Telecom Tower to Expand Digital Connectivity

The Malawi Government has switched on a new telecommunications tower in Kalira Village, Traditional Authority Kalumbu, expanding mobile and internet connectivity to an underserved rural community.

The facility was developed under the Last Mile Rural Connectivity Project, a government initiative aimed at extending telecommunications services to communities that have historically had limited or no reliable network access. The Kalira tower is the 36th telecommunications tower delivered under the project.

The new tower provides coverage across approximately 10 square kilometres, giving residents improved access to mobile calls, internet services and mobile money. Schools, health centres and local businesses are also expected to benefit from more reliable digital connectivity.

Minister of Information and Communications Technology Shadric Namalomba said the project would contribute to efforts to reduce Malawi’s digital divide. He also called for more affordable smartphones to ensure that a greater number of citizens can take advantage of expanded connectivity.

The government plans to construct an additional 99 telecommunications towers as part of the wider rural connectivity programme, with the project expected to reach its target by June 2027.

The initiative supports the government’s broader digitalisation agenda, including efforts to expand access to digital public services under President Peter Mutharika’s administration.

For residents of Kalira, the new infrastructure is expected to eliminate the need to travel or climb hills in search of a reliable network signal, while opening up greater opportunities for communication, education, healthcare and digital commerce.