After the first device, what next? PayChangu points to commerce gap

The recent GSMA report presented at the Digital Africa Summit suggests that closing the mobile internet usage gap in Malawi could add MWK 1.1 trillion to the economy and create 490,000 jobs by 2030.

However, PayChangu has stressed that achieving these gains will require more than simply getting smart devices into people’s hands.

In an interview, Joshua Mwendo of PayChangu said that while the push toward device affordability and initiatives such as “one tablet, one student” are vital, there is a critical next step: what happens after a student or entrepreneur receives their first smart device.

Mwendo explained that access without practical services leaves users with limited value.

“Access without utility is just a blank screen,” he said, emphasizing that new internet users must be able to participate in commerce immediately, including the ability to buy, sell, and transact online.

He further stated that PayChangu is addressing this gap by building payment solutions that help Malawian SMEs, creators, and entrepreneurs accept payments locally and globally.

Mwendo noted that this infrastructure is necessary to ensure the reported economic potential of additional internet users can be realized.

Finally, Mwendo said MACRA is “paving the road to digital inclusion,” and added that PayChangu is working to build the “vehicles” that will help drive Malawi toward its MWK 1.1 trillion economic future.