The Association for ICT in Malawi (ICTAM) has opposed MRA and COSOMA’s decision to introduce 5% levy on media storage devices.

In a press release made available to Biznews, ICTAM has said that the ICT sector contributes to the economic growth, quoting the Reserve Bank of Malawi’s recent economic review report, which also states that ICT is one of the fastest growing industries in Malawi.

ICTAM has therefore noted that the levy introduction will inhibit the sector from growing. The press release reads “..the introduction of the private copying levy is not only taking this country steps back in terms of development and promotion of ICT usage; it is also hindering efforts of making ICT to be universally accessible.

The statement also quotes a report by the International Telecommunications Union (ITU), which says that ICTs can help accelerate progress towards every single one of the 17 United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

ICTAM has therefore called upon MRA and COSOMA to repeal the levy policy, whilst engaging stakeholders on better ways through which private copying levy will be understood.

In 2009, ITU reported a 2.2% of computer usage, a very low rate attributed to high cost of computer devices. The levy introduction will also lower computer usage and ICT access in the nation.