Govt banks on fibre backbone project
President Lazarus Chakwera has touted the National Fibre Backbone Project, saying it is critical to Malawi’s digital transformation as is is in line with the country’s long-term vision and aspirations.
The President said this on Friday in Lilongwe when he presided over the launch of phase two of the project being implemented by Huawei, and includes nearly 2 000 kilometres of fibre-optic cable connecting various areas of Malawi and a 600 square metre national data centre.
Chakwera said: “This fibre backbone is a critical vessel for carrying our nation into a future of smart hospitals, smart schools, smart factories, smart governance, smart projects, smart roads, smart cars, smart trading, smart banking, and smart community.”
His remarks come at a time when Malawi’s Internet connectivity is currently poor with many, including the World Bank, complaining about high cost of data.
Chakwera commended Huawei for rolling out the second phase of the project which will be implemented nationwide.
He also conveyed his gratitude to Huawei for its solidarity demostrated during the past 14 years, saying it’s exceptional and a real contribution to the country’s socialeconomic development.
Information Minister Gospel Kazako said the project is one of the most defining ones for Malawi’s digital transformation and connectivity journey.
On his part, Huawei Southern Africa Region Vice-President Liao Yong said Huawei is excited to roll out the historic project as one way of contributing to Malawi’s development.
The project seeks to improve nationwide connectivity through the roll-out of broadband, to connect government ministries, departments and agencies (MDAs), companies and households.
