By Nathan Majawa, contributor:
Cost of data in Malawi is reported to be lower than other countries in sub-Saharan Africa, according to a recent report by Cable.Co.UK—a prominent platform for broadband TV, and phone comparisons— shows.
Covering data prices from June to September 2023, the report places Malawi at the top of the African ranking and 29th globally, with an impressively low average data price of just $0.38 per 1GB.
In an analysis by African Business Insider specialising in African economics, technology, energy transition and climate change, it is noted that high data costs have historically hindered internet access, particularly in Africa.
This achievement is even more remarkable when compared to the 2020 report from the same source, which ranked Malawi as having the highest mobile data prices in Africa, reaching an alarming $27.41 per 1GB.
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Malawi Communications Regulatory Authority (Macra) Director General Daud Suleman expressed pride in Malawi’s strides towards low data costs.
“Our commitment to ensuring that digital services are accessible to all Malawians has remained steadfast. We firmly believe that affordable data services are a fundamental right, and we are heartened to see our efforts reflected in these results,” he said.
Based on the findings of the Cable.Co.UK report, Nigeria secures the second position with a data price of $0.39, while Egypt ranks 10th with a rate of $0.65 per 1GB, further highlighting Malawi’s pioneering efforts in affordable data access within the region.
