MALAWI: CAMA Gives MACRA Seven Days to Reverse Airtel, TNM Data Tariff Hikes

By Smile Hamilton Malawi

The Consumers Association of Malawi (CAMA) has given the Malawi Communications Regulatory Authority (MACRA) seven days to reverse the recent mobile data bundle tariff increases introduced by Airtel Malawi and TNM, arguing that the regulator breached the law by approving the adjustments without following the required procedures.

In a strongly worded statement, CAMA Executive Director John Kapito accused MACRA of authorising the tariff hikes despite widespread complaints over poor network performance, including dropped calls, slow internet speeds and the loss of mobile data bundles. He said consumers were also denied the mandatory seven-day notice required under the Communications Act of 2016 before the new tariffs took effect.

Kapito said the decision has placed an unfair burden on Malawians who are already grappling with a rising cost of living, arguing that consumers should not be forced to pay more for services that continue to fall below acceptable standards.

“These adjustments come at a time when consumers are facing dropped calls, loss of data bundles, and new taxes on mobile transactions,” Kapito said.

CAMA further maintained that MACRA has a legal obligation to protect consumers and ensure transparency whenever service providers seek tariff adjustments. The association warned that failure to comply with the law undermines public confidence in the country’s communications regulator.

The consumer rights body has since given MACRA seven days to respond to its demands and withdraw the tariff increases, saying it expects the regulator to act in the best interests of consumers and uphold the provisions of the Communications Act.

MACRA had not responded to CAMA’s demands by the time this report was published.