Business and Finance

TNM secures 10-year operational licences

TNM secures 10-year operational licences

By Llywellenie Mpasa:

Telekom Networks Malawi (TNM) plc has reiterated its commitment to expanding provision of digital services, promoting financial inclusion and enhancing connectivity across the country.

TNM Chief Executive Officer Michel Hebert said this during a special event in Blantyre where TNM received three operational licences from the Malawi Communications Regulatory Authority (Macra).

The licences are valid for the next 10 years, empowering TNM to continue providing telecommunications services and contributing to Malawi’s digital transformation.

The licences include an Application Services License, a Network Facilities Licence, and a Network Services Licence.

According to Hebert, the certification renewal would enable TNM to further its commitment to improving financial access through mobile money services and offering innovative digital solutions that will drive the country’s socio-economic growth.

“These licences give us the opportunity to continue investing in infrastructure, developing new services and reaching more communities with reliable and affordable connectivity,” he said.

Hebert further said TNM’s long-term strategy is aligned with the government’s Digital Economy Strategy, which seeks to position Malawi as a digitally-driven and knowledge-based economy.

TNM Board Chair Ted Sauti Phiri said the licence renewal aligns with TNM’s nearly three decades of commitment to customers in Malawi.

“We were the first to introduce 2G, 3G, 4G, and now 5G in the country and this renewal allows us to continue our journey toward greater connectivity,” Phiri said.

He emphasised that as digital platforms gain importance in today’s economy, TNM’s strategic direction is poised to significantly impact Malawi’s digital ecosystem, supporting the country’s technological and financial growth.

“There is a direct link between mobile connectivity, digital penetration and socio-economic development. We have a shared responsibility to improve. TNM has a role to play, and so do Macra and other government agencies,” Phiri said.

Macra Director General Daud Suleman commended TNM’s consistent efforts in advancing the country’s digital infrastructure and delivering quality services over the years.

“TNM has been a key player in Malawi’s telecommunications sector, and we trust that with these licences, the company will continue to innovate and expand its services to meet the growing demand for digital solutions,” Suleman said.

He said the new licenses represent both a continuation and an evolution in TNM’s journey toward realising a fully connected Malawi.