By: Mayamiko Phiri

Malawi communications regulatory authority (MACRA) has issued a licence to Malawi telecommunications company Plc (MARCEL) to enable the firm to start it’s operations in the country.

Speaking at the event in Blantyre on Thursday, 20th November, Minister of information and digitalization Gospel Kazako said that the presentation of licence to Malcel by Macra will intensify competition and level the playing field in the ICT industry.

The Minister was optimistic that the coming in of Malcel on the market will promote affordable services and enhance vibrant digital economy.

In his remarks, Macra director general Daudi Suleman stated that the coming in of a new operator will create jobs.

Suleman further pointed out that the initiative will give Malawians options and choices to choose which operator to engage with for services.

The director general also observed that growth of digital economy will take a new dimensions to the advantage of local subscribers.

According to Malcel chief executive officer Boniface Ndalawa the firm will invest US$ 280 million in the next 5 years.

At the same event Macra authorized SDNP to administer and manage the code top level domain (CCTLD) the dot MW.

This means that SDNP will be operating the Malawi country code.