Ministry, PPPC set to connect free Internet in public places

Ministry of Information and Digitisation in partnership with the Public Private Partnership Commission (PPPC) is set to connect free Internet to public institutions under a $74 million (about K77 billion) World Bank Digital Malawi Project.

The project seeks to extend and improve access to critical information and communications technology (ICT) infrastructure for the public and private sectors, ICT governance, access to government services and facilitate the provision of e-services.

Speaking during the Blantyre District Executive Committee Meeting in Blantyre on Thursday, PPPC project liaison officer Ann Liabunya said there are 500 selected sites to be connected to free Internet.

“Three contractors have been awarded a 10-year contract towards this project,” she said.

Liabunya said Chichiri Prison, Chileka International Airport, Ndirande Hill Secondary School, Chichiri Secondary School, Lunzu Secondary School, Blantyre High Court, Limbe Magistrate’s Court, Midima Court, Bangwe Post Office and Queen Elizabeth Central Hospital are among the 47 sites in Blantyre to benefit from free Internet.

Reacting to the development, Senior Chief Kuntaja said he wants the project to be implemented in both rural and urban areas.

Blantyre District Council chief economist Melayi Mhone pledged the council’s support towards the project.

“All we are asking for is Internet connection in rural areas where some people refuse to work because of lack of Internet connectivity,” she said.

Last week, PPPC said the Digital Skills and Innovation Initiative, which is also under the Malawi Digital Project, is making a positive impact towards improving digital skills and creation of jobs.

PPPC chief executive officer Patrick Kabambe said through six tech hubs, namely Dzuka Africa Organisation, Growth Africa, mHub, Mzuzu E-hub, Techno Lab and Ntha Foundation, the project, which seeks to digitally empower the youth in the country, has made positive strides.

He said: “One of the components of the Digital Malawi Project was providing support to tech hubs to provide digital skills to the youth and women in rural areas.

“What we have seen through the engagement with the tech hubs and beneficiaries is that the project is making a huge impact on job creation.”

The Digital Malawi Project seeks to contribute to a digital transformation to enhance public service delivery.