The Universal Service Fund (USF) and the Malawi Communications Regulatory Authority – MACRA held a stakeholder meeting with headteachers under Phase 2 of the Connect A School (CAS) Project, alongside key partners including the Ministry of Education, the National Construction Industry Council (NCIC), the Department of Buildings (DoB), and TEVETA. The meeting took place on 15th August 2025 at Sigelege Beach Resort in Salima.
The session aimed to orient headteachers on their role and expectations in Phase 2, with a strong emphasis on enhancing digital literacy and transforming Malawi’s education system by connecting both primary and secondary schools to the internet.
Through Phase 2 of the CAS Project, USF and MACRA will construct 120 new Smart ICT Labs, adding to the 75 ICT Labs already completed across Malawi. This expansion is part of ongoing efforts to bridge the digital divide and ensure equitable access to technology in underserved areas.
Speaking during the event, the Director of Science, Technology, and Innovation, Professor Chomora Mikeka, expressed satisfaction with the progress made under Phase 1 and reaffirmed that the additional 120 ICT Labs will significantly contribute towards achieving the Government’s Vision 2063 of universal internet access. “We are in a digital era, and this initiative will not only equip students with essential digital skills but also empower surrounding communities,” he said.
Also addressing the gathering, the Head of USF, Ronald Tembo, underscored the importance of the CAS Project in extending ICT services to underserved areas. He emphasized that by connecting schools to the internet, Malawi is laying a solid foundation for inclusive education, innovation, and digital transformation.
