MACRA embarks on the Malawi Space Program Initiative

The Malawi Communication Regulatory Authority (MACRA) has announced that the ministry of information and digitalisation through the Authority has embarked on the Malawi Space Program Initiative that set to explore the establishment of a Malawi Space agency.

The Authority says the Malawi Space Agency will be tasked with the duty of exploring Malawi’s potential in utilising space resources for scientific and technological advancements.

Macra says Malawi is set to hold its first-ever space conference in Lilongwe at the Bingu International conference Centre (BICC) from 9th to the 11st of November, 2022.

“The conference is set to discuss the protection and utilisation of Malawi’s space resources for the Malawi 2063 vision,” reads the statement released on Tuesday signed by the Authority’s executive director, Daud Suleman.

The Statement further said the International Telecommunications Union (ITU) recognised the need for ll member States to have space resources to enable them to explore satellite ambitions.

“All ITU members states that Malawi is one of having a dedicated orbital slot for national space program, Orbital slots like spectrum are limited natural resources that must be protected and used rationally.

“Each country as two orbital slots in ITU planned space, one for Broadcasting Satellite Services (BSS) and the other for Fixed Satellite Services (FSS).

“Communication Satellites provide the following benefits: Long-distance Communication services to accommodate many devices and provide them with Internet access is likely. Satellite Communication covers a wider geographical area, overcoming terrain and topology challenges,” added Macra.

According to the Authority, Malawi is set to benefit from the program in capacities like Economic growth, Socio-economic growth, Geographical welfare and Policy and Regulatory compliance.

Africa collectively has a total of 44 satellites orbiting 13 countries, Malawi envisions a vibrant digital environment and space exploration is an enabler for future envisage.

Macra also says the program will provide Malawi with a voice in the exploration of global space initiatives and help the country protects it orbital slot, which it risks losing if not utilised.