By Pemphero Malimba:
Communications Regulators Association of Southern Africa (Crasa) has urged countries to develop harmonised regulations governing changes in the information communication technology (ICT) sector.
It cites satellite technology, e-commerce and cyber crime among areas worth developing harmonised regulations on.
Crasa acting Executive Secretary Brian Mwansa said this during the opening of the 15th communications regulators association of southern African annual general meeting and the G5 Regulatory Collaboration Summit in Lilongwe yesterday.
He said harmonising regulations in the ICT sector would help stakeholders in addressing challenges faced in the region following changes in the sector.
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“[For example], satellites, by their nature, are operated from space. Who is regulating space? Who is there to make rules? Who sets the rules that this satellite can look at Malawi or not? So, that requires collaboration not only within the country but across borders as well,” Mwansa said.
He said ICT ministers in the Southern African Development Community (Sadc) region were key to ensuring that regulations had been put in place in the sector.
“As an implementing agency of Sadc, we have that interface directly with Sadc ministers for ICT. They will set the policy to determine exactly how we, as a region, should move to address particular issues. Those directives will then be translated into law; they will be translated into regulations,” he said.
Information Minister Shadric Namalomba said the Government of Malawi was committed to promoting digital transformation and regulatory frameworks.
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“As the host of this Summit and the upcoming Crasa annual general meeting, Malawi reaffirms its strong commitment to advancing digital transformation, strengthening regulatory frameworks and supporting regional integration and cooperation.
He said Crasa was one of the critical platforms which enabled regulators to learn from one another, coordinate their efforts and speak with a stronger, unified voice on regional and global issues.
“We must ensure that our digital economies are inclusive, our markets are fair and competitive, our citizens are protected and empowered and our innovations are nurtured and scaled. This requires deliberate and coordinated action. Regional bodies such as Crasa, working alongside institutions such as the African Union, regional economic communities and global partners, have a critical role to play in driving this agenda forward,” he said.
Macra Board Chairperson Chancy Gondwe said Macra had taken steps to transform the digital space across the country.
“We have made some strides, in terms of access to digital services, the digital economy. We, as a country, are working towards achieving some of those goals so that at least each and everyone is covered,” Gondwe said.
The event has been organised under the theme ‘Collaborative Regulation and Building Digital Ecosystems’ and runs from April 13 to 17, 2026.
Crasa has 14 members.
