Report rates Malawi data prices lowest in Sub-Saharan Africa
Malawi has taken the lead in Sub-Saharan Africa by offering the most affordable data prices, according to a recent report by Cable.Co.UK, a platform for broadband, television and phone comparisons.
Covering data prices from June to September 2023, the report places Malawi at the top of the African ranking and 29th globally with an average data price of $0.38 (about K448.40) per one gigabyte (GB).
In 2020, Cable.Co.UK ranked Malawi as having the highest mobile data prices in Africa at an average of $27.41 (about K32 343.80) per 1GB.
In an interview yesterday, Malawi Communications Regulatory Authority (Macra) director general Daud Suleman said the regulator will continue to work tirelessly to ensure that every citizen harnesses the benefits of the Internet.
He said: “Our commitment to ensuring that the 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.”
Suleman emphasised that Malawi’s success has proven that low data cost is not merely a dream, but a reality capable of transforming lives.
Chisomo Chimwaza, a third-year bachelor of education (language) student at Mzuzu University, highlighted the critical role of the Internet in education.
“Access to affordable Internet is crucial for our studies, and with the current lower Internet costs, it has become easier to access study materials,” she said.
Based on the findings of the Cable.Co.UK report, Nigeria secures the second position with a data price of $0.39 (about K460.20) while Egypt ranks 10th with a rate of $0.65 (about K767) per 1GB.
