Airtel Malawi reports nearly MWK81 billion in network investment

Airtel Malawi says it invested nearly MWK81 billion in network expansion and upgrades over ten months. The operator presented the figures to Parliament’s Media, Information and Communications Committee on 3 November as it reported a rise of more than 50% in data traffic.

The company says it added 275 towers over 12 months and now operates 123 5G sites. TechAfrica News reported that Airtel put its fibre network at nearly 2,800 kilometres and population coverage at 87%. Airtel plans to add more than 200 sites next year.

Keeping sites running is a separate challenge. Airtel cited difficulty sourcing foreign currency for equipment, as well as power and fuel constraints, fibre cuts and vandalism. Those constraints can disrupt service even in areas the network covers.