The Malawi Communications Regulatory Authority (MACRA) has announced that it will begin the biometric registration of SIM cards and mobile devices starting June 1, 2025.
This was disclosed during a stakeholder consultation meeting held in Lilongwe, which included traditional leaders, police, councilors, faith leaders, civil society organizations (CSOs), social media influencers, and the media.
Kelious Mlenga, MACRA’s Deputy Director of Legal Services responsible for Consumer Affairs, said the new system is aimed at combating SIM card-related crimes such as fraud and identity theft. The biometric registration process will use fingerprint verification to identify and trace criminals, thereby enhancing mobile security.
“The purpose is to ensure that when someone registers a SIM card, the fingerprint used matches the one stored by the National Registration Bureau (NRB). If it doesn’t, it means the person is providing false information,” said Mlenga.
He added that the system will verify the true identity of anyone attempting to register a SIM card. To further tighten security, MACRA plans to limit SIM card ownership to a maximum of 10 per person per network, and up to 30 for companies, with a provision for special exemptions.
The regulatory body is also introducing special SIM registration categories for children, visitors, diplomats, foreigners, government agencies, asylum seekers, and refugees to minimize mobile-related fraud.
Senior Chief Kalumbu of Lilongwe supported the initiative but criticized its delayed implementation, noting that many people have already suffered financial losses due to mobile fraud.
“This system will restore trust in MACRA and mobile phone companies, which was eroded due to fraud in digital financial services in Malawi and abroad,” said Kalumbu.
Mlenga also noted that the idea of linking SIM card registration with the NRB was proposed as far back as 2018, but progress was delayed due to a lack of regulations.
MACRA clarified that the new system is distinct from the Malawi Electoral Commission’s (MEC) voter registration, emphasizing that it is a Central Equipment Identity Register and unrelated to elections.
MACRA urged stakeholders to disseminate accurate information to the public to ensure smooth implementation of the registration process.
