Internet access to boost economy in rural areas
The Malawi Communications Regulatory Authority (Macra) has embarked on a Connect-a- Constituency project meant to link rural communities to global activities through the internet.
The project is expected to change rural livelihoods, in terms of trade and economic activities.
Macra has since handed over Muyere Telecentre to Chiradzulu South constituents.
The centre will offer services such as internet, photocopy, Airtel Money and Mpamba, among others.
Speaking during the handover, Macra’s Deputy Director of Technology and Standards, Henry Silika, said the project will help the country introduce services such as e-commerce, e-education and e-agriculture.
“Our role is to ensure that access to internet is everywhere and that Malawians should do their businesses through the internet,” said Silika.
Minister of Information, Nicholus Dausi, said communities in Chiradzulu will be able to learn computer basics.
“The project will help farmers to directly get in touch with buyers not only locally, but overseas as well. This will help the farmer to know how much his product is fetching on the market before deciding to sell,” said Dausi.
In his remarks, Minister of Trade, Industry and Tourism, Joseph Mwanamvekha, who is also parliamentarian for the area, said the centre will make a difference in terms of knowledge, especially to students. “Technology has taken over the world and it is difficult for graduates to get employment if they do not know how to operate a computer nowadays.
“Rural communities have also been brought closer to banks as they can access banking services through their mobile phones like Airtel Money and Mpamba. This means access to financial services has been eased,” Mwanamvekha said.
