The Malawi Communications Regulatory Authority (MACRA), in its role as the designated Data Protection Authority (DPA), held a stakeholder consultation meeting on draft data protection regulations at Mount Soche in Blantyre.
The meeting aimed to provide a platform for stakeholders to engage on the proposed registration fees and contribute to the development of a fair and effective regulatory framework. DPA intends to introduce registration fees for data controllers and data processors of significant importance. The fees will be based on an organisation’s annual turnover, with a minimum of K50,000 and a maximum of K7 million.
Speaking at the meeting, Ministry of Information and Communication Technology Principal Secretary, Harold Msusa, said the government remains committed to supporting a data protection regime that is transparent, inclusive, and responsive to the needs of both citizens and businesses.
“The turnover-based fee structure will ensure that larger organisations contribute more without creating barriers for smaller players,” said Msusa.
MACRA Head of Data Protection, Counsel Dan Chiwoni, said the Authority has developed a framework to guide the implementation of the new requirements while ensuring a balance between data privacy, innovation, and growth.
The consultation workshop brought together various stakeholders from the private sector and other key institutions to provide input on the proposed regulations.
