The Malawi Bureau of Standards (MBS) and the Malawi Communications Regulatory Authority (MACRA) have signed a landmark Memorandum of Understanding (MoU). The two institutions agreed to have an MoU not only on the basis that they share standards regulatory mandate, but also after realizing how partnership and sharing of experiences and expertise can enhance national standards in the Communication sector and give positive and improved resultant service delivery to the public.

Speaking at the event, the Acting Director General of MACRA Mr Henry Silika highlighted that, while the increased demand in ICT goods and services has brought a number of positives, but it has also resulted into an increase in the importation of substandard ICT products in the country. This is posing a threat to provision of quality ICT goods and services, environment and health as well as safety of consumers. The collaboration with the MBS will therefore embrace a multisectoral approach in advocating for conformity to ICT standards. This will ensure that there is sanity in the sector of ICT because only products of quality that meet standards are entering into the country.

The Director General of the MBS Mr Symon O. Mandala emphasized on the importance of the partnership, as it would help the two institutions to complement each other in enhancing standards, clearing the potential operational confusion between the two regulatory bodies in the market space of Communications. He further added that the MBS is ready to collaborate with other regulatory bodies and other stakeholders in the country.