The Ministry of Information and Digitalization (MoID) has emphasized the significant role of the Malawi Research and Education Network (MAREN) in improving the quality of education in Malawi.

In partnership with the Private Public Partnership Commission (PPPC), the Ministry has provided financial support and bandwidth to MAREN under the Digital Malawi Project (DIGMAP) to enhance service delivery to higher learning and research institutions.

During a visit to the Malawi University of Business and Applied Sciences (MUBAS) on Friday, Secretary for Information and Digitalization Baldwin Chiyamwaka highlighted the government's efforts to boost internet connectivity in higher learning institutions.

He noted that this initiative aims to enhance learning, teaching, and research standards.

Chiyamwaka stated, “Through MAREN, we have installed internet access points in 84 institutions of higher learning, including all public universities in Malawi."

"This enables students to access the internet and innovative online education content at their convenience, a significant improvement from the past when internet access was limited to specific areas such as computer laboratories and libraries.”

He further stressed the importance of internet access for universities' Open Distance Learning (ODL) programs, noting that it has significantly enhanced students' experiences and performance.

Alexious Chipalamwazani, Network and Infrastructure Officer for MAREN, reported that the project benefits over 100,000 students, far surpassing the initial target of 15,000.

However, he expressed concern over the vandalism of fiber cables, which disrupts service delivery to higher learning and research institutions.

Anthony Ziba, Head of ICT at MUBAS, disclosed that the institution is benefiting from the project through advanced internet connectivity, increased bandwidth, and enhanced value-added services.

The MAREN project has established widespread access points across the MUBAS campus, benefiting students, faculty members, and researchers.