04 November 2025

The Universal Service Fund (USF) has officially begun the Mobile Network Tower Development Project in Malawi, targeting areas in Mzimba, Nkhata Bay, and Mangochi.

This marks a significant move toward broadening mobile connectivity throughout the country. In the initial phase, assessment surveys are being conducted across 21 districts to identify the most strategic locations for new mobile towers, with the goal of improving signal coverage and network access in rural, unserved, and underserved regions.

The project is being carried out by the Malawi Communications Regulatory Authority (MACRA), in collaboration with the Ministry of Information and Digitalisation (MoID) and the Public Private Partnership Commission (PPPC). It is a key component of the World Bank–funded Digital Malawi Acceleration Project (DMAP 2024–2030), which aims to foster digital inclusion and expand access to information and communication technology services across the nation.

Upon completion, the Mobile Network Tower Development Project is expected to significantly increase mobile coverage, help bridge the digital divide, and empower communities with greater access to the digital economy, ultimately promoting social and economic development throughout Malawi.