BLANTYRE-(MaraviPost)-The Concerned Citizens of Malawi (CCM), a pressure group operating under the banner of the People Power Movement, has called on the Malawi Communications Regulatory Authority (MACRA) to publicly explain the procurement of misinformation and disinformation monitoring equipment, citing lack of transparency and growing public concern.
In a letter dated January 14, 2026, addressed to the Director General of MACRA and signed by CCM representatives Edwards Kambanje and Oliver Nakoma, the group expressed disappointment over what it described as prolonged silence by the regulator despite earlier assurances that the nation would be briefed on the matter.
CCM reminded MACRA that the organisation was actively involved in the procurement process including participation in a due diligence visit to HASHCOM in Accra, Ghana.
The delegation reportedly included representatives from Parliament, the ICT Association of Malawi (ICTAM), and the media.
According to the letter, the system in question is valued at approximately US$1.5 million, translating to over K2.6 billion.
The group argues that such expenditure is unjustified given Malawi’s current economic challenges including a high cost of living and underfunded health and education sectors.
The concerned citizens further warned that the technology could enable mass surveillance posing a threat to constitutional rights such as privacy, freedom of expression and access to information.
They also raised fears that the equipment could be abused for political targeting, particularly as the country approaches the general elections scheduled for September 2025.
CCM noted that MACRA had previously assured stakeholders that a public communiqué would be issued to clarify the purpose, scope and justification of the procurement. However, the group says no such communication has been made to date.
The lack of engagement, according to CCM, has left the public in the dark about the status, outcomes, and intended use of the equipment, raising suspicion and eroding public trust.
In the letter, the group described the situation as unacceptable and formally demanded that MACRA brief the nation on the procurement process and provide full disclosure on the equipment’s purpose and current status.
The group also urged the new MACRA management to prioritise transparency and accountability, saying the leadership transition presents an opportunity to restore confidence in the institution.
CCM concluded by stating that it will continue monitoring the issue and advocating for transparency and good governance, while expecting a prompt response and concrete action from MACRA to address the concerns raised.
