Macra opens window on retaining licenses

The Malawi Communications Regulatory Authority (MACRA) says it is reconsidering revoked licenses from the past decade.

A statement by the regulator says former licensees can apply for reconsideration within a 21-day window, provided they had valid licenses and have taken corrective steps or have new information related to the revocation.

This applies to electronic communications, content services, and postal and courier licenses revoked between 2015 and 2025.

The move comes after controversy over MACRA shutting down media houses for unpaid license fees, sparking concerns about media freedom and civic space.

For the media, some of the affected outlets included Rainbow Television, Joy Radio and Television, Ufulu FM, Galaxy FM, and Sapitwa FM.

Now MACRA is stressing that the reconsideration doesn’t guarantee reinstatement.