By Chisomo Phiri
Telecom Networks Malawi (TNM) on Thursday evening celebrated 30 years of innovation and digital transformation at Ryalls Hotel in Blantyre,with the company reaffirming its commitment to expanding access to modern communication technologies across the country.
Speaking during the celebration, TNM Chief Executive Officer(CEO ) Michel Hebert highlighted the company’s achievements over the past three decades and its vision for the future.
“The highlight of TNM’s 30-year existence is that we have brought innovation to make people’s digital lives better. We brought the Internet to millions, enabled phone calls for millions more, and introduced mobile money services that allow people to send and receive money anywhere in Malawi and even internationally,” he said.
Hebert added that TNM has consistently been at the forefront of Malawi’s telecommunications revolution, pioneering key technologies that have connected people and communities nationwide.
“For the past 30 years, we have been the first to introduce many of these technologies. Even today, we continue to bring the best innovations from around the world to Malawi to make people’s lives better,” he said.
Looking ahead, Hebert said TNM plans to continue investing in infrastructure to extend coverage beyond urban centers.
“We currently cover about 85 percent of the population. Our goal is to reach the remaining 15 percent using more cost-effective technologies such as solar-powered and simplified communication systems, while still providing access to digital services for everyone,” he said.
The TNM CEO also noted the growing importance of artificial intelligence (AI) in shaping the future of telecommunications and digital services.
“AI is transforming the way we operate,from financial services and network management to customer support, gaming, and entertainment. We plan to develop AI capabilities locally by setting up innovation hubs and AI labs next year. These facilities will help Malawians learn how to create AI-based solutions that meet local needs,” he said.
On the company’s financial performance, Hebert expressed optimism, revealing that TNM has experienced significant customer growth.
“We have added almost 1.2 million new customers within a year, and we expect this growth to continue.While I cannot disclose specific figures, we expect to double our performance compared to last year,” he said.
Hebert emphasized that TNM’s profits are reinvested in Malawi, benefiting both the company and its shareholders.
“All our profits stay in Malawi. They are either reinvested into our networks or distributed to our shareholders, who are 100 percent Malawians including pension funds and individual investors. We recently began issuing dividends about two months ago, and we plan to continue doing so every six months,” he said.
However, Hebert also pointed out that foreign exchange shortages remain one of the company’s biggest challenges.
“Like many other businesses in Malawi, our major challenge is the shortage of foreign currency, especially the US dollar. We invest billions in equipment, software, and network support from international suppliers, and we must pay them in foreign currency. If we cannot, it affects our ability to expand and maintain services,” he said.
On his part,Minister of Information and Communications Technology, Shadric Namalomba, who was the guest of honor at the event,applauded TNM for its 30 years of contribution to the country’s digital transformation, describing the company as a true pioneer in Malawi’s telecommunications industry.
The minister noted that TNM was the first company to introduce several groundbreaking technologies in Malawi, including the first mobile phone service, the first SMS platform, and the first 3G and 4G networks.
He said TNM’s growth over the years has gone hand in hand with the nation’s own technological progress.
“The government of Professor Peter Mutharika commends TNM for its innovation and encourages continued collaboration among all operators to achieve universal connectivity and build a vibrant digital economy,” said Namalomba.
He urged TNM and other operators to expand coverage to remote areas and make mobile and internet services more affordable for all Malawians.
The minister also challenged the company to improve service reliability, particularly in reducing dropped calls, and to explore opportunities to export telecom services to neighboring countries to help generate foreign exchange.
Namalomba further pledged government support in creating a conducive business environment, including reviewing the tax structure affecting the telecommunications industry.
“We are open to dialogue on developing a win–win framework that encourages investment while ensuring affordability for consumers.Together, we can leverage the foundation laid over the past 30 years to build a truly connected and digital Malawi,” he said.
