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With a population of over 20 million, Malawi had 5.86 million internet users at the start of 2024, representing an internet penetration rate of just 27.7%. This relatively low figure highlights the need for targeted initiatives aimed at bridging the digital divide, especially in rural and remote areas.
According to Statista, the number of households with internet access in Malawi is projected to reach 640,000 by the end of 2024, further emphasizing the urgency for programs like the Smart Village Initiative, which seeks to extend connectivity to underserved communities. The partnership with Huawei is a key component in addressing this digital gap.
This initiative follows Huawei’s earlier efforts in July 2024 to establish a Smart Village in Uganda, which included infrastructure such as a network tower, a solar power station powered by its digital micro-grid solution, and technology to support smart classrooms. These efforts align with Huawei’s broader goal to promote digital inclusion across the African continent.
In a separate but related effort, Malawi unveiled the Digital Malawi Program in September 2023 in collaboration with the World Bank. This program is designed to accelerate the country’s digital transformation, promoting economic growth, fostering innovation, creating jobs, and improving access to services and markets through Information and Communication Technologies (ICTs).
Huawei has also announced a substantial investment of $430 million over the next four years across 28 African nations. The investment will be divided into three main areas: $200 million for cloud infrastructure development, another $200 million to strengthen local partnerships, and $30 million to train digital professionals across Africa. In addition, Huawei signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Kenya to support its own digital transformation agenda.
Malawi is not alone in benefiting from Chinese-backed digital projects. Sierra Leone, for instance, recently signed a $50 million agreement with the China National Technical Import & Export Corporation to launch the SMART Sierra Leone Project. This project aims to provide internet connectivity to more than 400,000 citizens, establish national data centers to secure sovereign data, and enhance the protection of critical state infrastructure in the capital, Freetown.
The collaboration between Malawi and Huawei is part of a broader trend of Chinese companies deepening their involvement in Africa’s digital development. By expanding internet access, these partnerships aim to drive socio-economic growth, particularly in areas previously excluded from the benefits of connectivity.
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