MACRA’s Malawi Computer Emergency Response Team (mwCERT) hosted a cybersecurity awareness lecture for Malawi Defence Force’s Upgrading Signals students from the 22 Signals Brigade.
The session in Lilongwe aimed to enhance national understanding of digital safety and legal protections under the Malawi Communications Act (2016). It highlighted key cybersecurity issues, focusing on how to respond to and prevent digital threats in Malawi’s rapidly evolving digital environment. Students were introduced to legal and technical frameworks aimed at combating cybercrime and regulating harmful online content, while upholding digital rights and freedoms.
Head of mwCERT, Christopher Banda, highlighted two core cybersecurity roles: cybercrime legislation which addresses digital fraud such as email scams; and communications services legislation which tackles harmful content online while protecting freedom of expression. He also touched on the relevance of the Cybersecurity and Electronic Evidence bills in strengthening national cyber resilience.
Banda also noted that internet penetration in Malawi has risen to 65% in 2025, from 61% in 2023 with 60% of mobile phone users now owning smart-enabled devices, a significant jump from 20% in 2023. Data prices have also seen a steady drop, currently at $2.40 per GB strengthening Malawi’s position as having the cheapest data price in Africa.
