State-owned Electricity Supply Corporation of Malawi (Escom) has unveiled plans to invest in ICT services focusing on internet connectivity business.
Escom Chief Executive Officer Kamkwamba Kumwenda said this when the institution donated K12 million to the ICT Association of Malawi (Ictam) to go towards hosting of the ICT Expo which runs from 9 to10 May in Lilongwe.
Kumwenda said Escom already has the largest fibre network in the country and is now venturing into the internet business to ensure that all Malawians access affordable internet services.
“We are now establishing a subsidiary of a directorate with Escom to make sure we take part in the internet business in Malawi. We have the network in all districts, including Likoma.
“Basically, the idea is whosoever has electricity in the country should be able to access affordable data,” Kumwenda said.
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He said Escom is working with the government and the Malawi Communications Regulatory Authority to establish diplomatic data corridors with neighbouring countries.
“What this means is that the data that we buy offshore will be at a discounted price from government to government, a facility that is not available to private entities.
“We believe that when we get into this business, we should be able to lower the cost of data in Malawi because it will be based on discounted offshore prices,” Kumwenda added.
Ictam President Clarence Gama commended Escom for the move.
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“This is one area that we need a lot of investment in Malawi. We need seamless connectivity and there is a breach in the connectivity divide. This move by Escom will also enable access to the internet in the most remote areas,” Gama said.
He then said the ICT expo will promote innovations that can contribute to the countr’s economic growth.
The ICT expo will be held under the theme ‘Digital Transformation: The Gateway to Economic Recovery’.
