DIGITAL ACCESS TO ALL MALAWIANS: PROJECT UPDATE

This is an update on a collaboration initiative which was created by Jackie Iwu, Founder of Agwamma Women Outreach Africa and CEO of Agwamma Media Consulting, Abuja, Nigeria, focused on promoting Digital Access to All Malawians.

In January, I was occupied with school as I was preparing for examinations, so I had to pause some of the project activities. Now that my exams are over, I am fully back and ready to continue implementing the next phase of this initiative.

since the inception of this collaboration, Agwamma Women has been very cooperative and guiding me with good mentorship on moving our project to the next level.

Our focus remains on advocating for improved and affordable internet access for young people in underserved communities across Malawi. While digital transformation is accelerating globally, many youths in our targeted communities still face serious barriers to accessing the internet.

As part of the next step, I am planning to interview a few young people from these communities so they can share, in their own voices, how the lack of internet access affects them.

For many students, limited connectivity means:

1. Difficulty accessing online learning resources

2. Challenges conducting academic research

3. Limited ability to apply for scholarships and jobs

For young entrepreneurs, it means:

1. Inability to effectively market their businesses online

2. Limited exposure to wider markets

3. Fewer opportunities for digital growth and networking

Through these interviews, we aim to document real experiences that will strengthen our advocacy efforts and help shape practical solutions. The goal is to ensure that digital access becomes a reality for all Malawians, not just a privilege for a few.

I look forward to sharing the outcomes of these engagements in our next update.