Cyclone Freddy wreaked havoc in Malawi, leaving over 600,000 people homeless and causing significant damage to the country’s infrastructure. In response to this disaster, the government of Malawi, through The Tony Blair Institute’s (TBI) Tomorrow Partnership, is joining forces with SpaceX to leverage Starlink to restore internet connectivity in the affected communities.
The initiative aims to extend internet access to every citizen in the country, a significant leap from the historical figure where only 35% of Malawians had internet access. Starlink was approved to operate in Malawi last October.
Cyclone Freddy left a devastating impact on Malawian communities, leaving more than 600,000 people homeless.
Through TBI's Tomorrow Partnership, the government of Malawi is working with @Starlink to install internet terminals so crucial services can be accessed once again.
— Tony Blair Institute for Global Change (@InstituteGC) May 23, 2023
The partnership aims to install internet terminals across the devastated regions, thereby re-establishing crucial services that were disrupted by the cyclone. This initiative will ensure that citizens can access vital information, communicate with loved ones, and utilize essential online services, aiding in the recovery and rebuilding process.
The collaboration between the Malawian government, TBI’s Tomorrow Partnership, and Starlink underscores the importance of digital connectivity in disaster response and recovery, and the role of innovative technology solutions in addressing such challenges.
