BY Alice Lissa Kamwanje.
Many Malawians say they are facing growing financial pressure following recent increases in mobile data bundle prices by Airtel Malawi and TNM, coupled with sharp tuition fee hikes at public universities. Consumers warn the rising costs are making it increasingly difficult to afford internet access and higher education.
Students, small business owners, and remote workers say expensive data bundles are limiting access to online learning, business transactions, and communication. Parents and guardians fear the new university fees will put tertiary education beyond the reach of many families.
Most public universities have doubled annual tuition fees for generic undergraduate students from K650,000 to K1.3 million, about K650,000 per semester. Universities argue the increases are necessary to meet rising operational costs and maintain the quality of education.
A first‑year student at the University of Malawi, Comfort Eliya, studying Bachelor of Science in Midwifery, expressed concern that government schools are now competing with private institutions in terms of cost. She appealed to authorities to be more considerate, saying the 100 percent increase has left many students hopeless.
Another student from the Malawi University of Accountancy, Blessings Masakha, said families are facing heavier financial burdens as MCA now charges K1.1 million per semester, with accommodation and other compulsory fees on top. He noted that the biggest impact is not only the higher tuition but the chain reaction it creates across transport, food, accommodation, and study time.
Education expert Wesley Mwambakulu warned that the vast adjustments compromise the goal of education for all. He criticized councils for failing to consult stakeholders before implementing the hikes.
Earlier, the Competition and Fair Trading Commission acknowledged the financial challenges facing institutions but cautioned that such practices should not be normalized, as they contravene the Competition and Fair Trading Act.
The developments have sparked public concern, with many Malawians calling for measures to cushion households already struggling with inflation, reduced purchasing power, and the high cost of living.
