Malawi could see the launch of a third mobile network operator in competition with Airtel and Telekom Networks Malawi (TNM), with local newspaper The Times reporting that Nyasa Mobile has announced its intention to roll out services by the end of the year. According to Nyasa Mobile’s Chairperson Konrad Buckle, the firm has been in discussions with UK-based Vodafone Group about a potential strategic partnership. He said the pair have been assessing the telecoms industry and wanted to bring new and cheaper services to Malawians. It is unconfirmed when Nyasa Mobile, which is a subsidiary of Nyasa Manufacturing Company, received its mobile operating licence.
TeleGeography’s GlobalComms Database states that numerous attempts by the government and the Malawi Communications Regulatory Authority (MACRA) over the last 20 years to introduce much-needed competition to the mobile sector have so far failed. The market is characterised by high tariffs and poor service quality, with mobile penetration standing at just 59% of the population at the end of March 2022.