The Malawi Communications Regulatory Authority (MACRA) announced the awarding of the country's third telecom license to Malcel Plc. The new operator plans to enter the national telecom market next year. If successful, it will compete against Airtel Malawi and Telecom Network Malawi (TNM). In addition to mobile telephony, the new company plans to provide mobile financial services through its MCASH platform.
According to Boniface Ndawala, president and CEO of Malcel Plc, the company will invest US$280 million into Malawi in the coming five years. "We plan to start rolling out our network in Malawi from the fourth quarter of 2022 and we will start formal operations with the first call made on our network in the fourth quarter of 2023.”
Malcel Plc is a partnership between two companies. Bedrock Holdings, a Malawian company founded by local telecom executives, owns 30% of the company while Danish company, Eferio Communications Limited, owns 60%. The remaining 10 % is earmarked for other local and foreign shareholders.
The advent of a new player could be a game changer. "We want to give Malawians a real third alternative so we will fight on service to the subscribers. Whoever has the best services, which leads to the best customer experience, will have an edge in the fight," said Ndawala.
