Malawi Adopts SOPs to Boost Emergency Telecommunications
Malawi’s NETWG adopted SOPs to enhance disaster telecommunications, improving coordination and resilience through stakeholder collaboration during a Blantyre workshop.
The National Emergency Telecommunications Working Group (NETWG) has adopted the Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs), which have been meticulously developed to enhance the capacity of emergency telecommunications practitioners and other key stakeholders in the effective management and coordination of emergency telecommunications during disasters.
The adoption of the SOPs took place during a successful two-day National Emergency Telecommunications Working Group Workshop held in Blantyre.
The adoption of the SOPs marks a significant milestone in Malawi’s journey toward building resilience in the telecommunications sector, making it more responsive to the increasing frequency and intensity of natural disasters.
Speaking at the closing ceremony, MACRA Director of Economic Regulations, Mr. Andrew Nyirenda, praised the collaborative efforts of the working group in finalizing the SOPs.
Mr. Nyirenda emphasized that the document will serve as a critical tool for facilitating quick and easy access to essential information during disasters, ensuring that emergency responders can act swiftly and efficiently to save lives and minimize damage.
This document is a landmark achievement for disaster preparedness and response in Malawi. The SOPs will improve coordination, enhance communication, and ensure that our nation is better equipped to handle emergencies. It is a testament to what can be achieved when stakeholders work together with a shared goal.– Mr. Andrew Nyirenda, Director of Economic Regulations, MACRA
The workshop brought together stakeholders from government institutions, private sector players, telecommunications operators, humanitarian agencies, and development partners to review and finalize the SOPs, which are expected to play a critical role in disaster risk management across Malawi.
