The Malawi Communications Regulatory Authority (MACRA) says it is implementing a number of digital reforms aimed at improving cybersecurity, enhancing public safety and modernising service delivery in the country.

Appearing before the Parliamentary Committee on Government Assurances and Public Sector Reforms, MACRA Director General Mayamiko Nkoloma said the Authority is establishing a National Digital Forensics Laboratory to strengthen investigations into cybercrime.

Nkoloma also revealed plans to pilot an artificial intelligence-powered Smart City project in Blantyre to improve traffic management and public safety.

The regulator has further made progress under the National Addressing System, naming more than 11,000 streets and assigning addresses to over 472,000 properties, while working with Google to update Malawi’s street data on Google Maps.

MACRA is also promoting a national electronic waste management policy to ensure proper disposal and management of electronic waste.