Malawi could unlock MWK 1.1 trillion in additional economic value and create 490,000 jobs by 2030 by addressing barriers to mobile internet adoption, according to a new GSMA report titled “Driving Digital Transformation of the Economy in Malawi: Opportunities, Policy Recommendations and the Role of Mobile.”
Unveiled during the GSMA Digital Africa Summit, the report highlights Malawi’s progress in digital infrastructure and financial inclusion, while identifying a significant mobile internet usage gap. Although 87% of the population was covered by 4G networks in 2025, around 80% of people living within mobile broadband coverage were not using mobile internet.
The report identifies device affordability, limited digital skills, foreign exchange shortages and high energy costs as key barriers to wider adoption. It argues that Malawi’s next phase of digital transformation must focus not only on connectivity, but also on enabling meaningful and affordable use.
GSMA estimates that implementing targeted reforms could bring 810,000 additional mobile internet users online by 2030, taking the total to 5 million, while achieving 99% 4G population coverage and generating a net positive fiscal impact of MWK 179 billion.
The report recommends action across six areas: improving investment conditions, expanding rural connectivity, enabling mobile money growth, improving device and service affordability, strengthening digital skills and adoption, and developing coordinated digital economy, legislation and AI strategies.
