Malawi Telecommunications: breaking down the MNO space

The Malawi Mobile Telecommunications scene is one that is occupied by a duopoly of mobile network operators and fixed service providers. It's underdeveloped but has been taking some good strides to resolve that.

The players in the Malawi Telecommunications sector

Telekom Networks Malawi (TNM) is the biggest mobile operator with a market share of 54%. TNM came about in 1995 as a joint venture between incumbent Malawi Telecommunications Limited (MTL) and Telekom Malaysia. It is the only operator currently providing 5G and also holds 2 licenses for fixed network services.

Airtel Malawi, the second-biggest mobile network operator, entered the space in 1999 and holds a 46% market share.

Malcel is the latest mobile network operator in Malawi to be awarded an operating license. In August of 2022, Malawi Communications Regulatory Authority (MACRA) awarded Malcel a mobile network operating license. An estimated US$280 million is to be invested in Malcel over 5 years with the network operator looking to go live on 1 October 2023.