Malawi Government to connect 2,000 rural secondary schools to internet
Date: 2025-12-12
By: Robert Annor
The
Government of Malawi has announced plans to connect 2,000 secondary schools in
rural areas to the internet through the Malawi Communications Regulatory
Authority (MACRA)’s Connect A School project. The announcement was made by
Minister of Information and Communications Technology, Shadric Namalomba,
during his tour of the project.
Speaking at Phalula Community Day Secondary School in Balaka, Namalomba said the initial phase will target 2,000 schools, with the ultimate goal of ensuring every secondary school in the country has internet access.
MACRA
Acting Director General, Mphatso Phiri, reaffirmed the authority’s commitment
to expanding connectivity to rural secondary schools, noting that the project
aims to expose students to global knowledge and opportunities. “There is a lot
happening out there, and we are happy that you are now able to grasp all that
through the installation of the lab,” Phiri said.
The
Desk Officer for Secondary Schools in the South East Education Division (SEED),
Nancy Winiko, highlighted that the introduction of ICT labs has improved
student performance in the division. Phalula CDSS Head Teacher, Francis
Chimwaza, confirmed that the school has seen notable academic improvements
since the lab’s installation.
The
ministerial tour included visits to computer labs at Phalula, Mponela, and
Chintheche Community Day Secondary Schools. The labs comprise both refurbished
facilities and newly constructed infrastructure.
The
initiative is part of the government’s broader strategy to enhance digital
literacy and bridge the connectivity gap in rural Malawi.
