MISA Regional Annual Report 2023 In May 2022, the Reserve Bank of Malawi devalued the Malawi kwacha by 25%. In November 2023, the currency was devalued again by 44%. Doing business in such an environment has been challenging for the media, as production and salary costs have skyrocketed. A number of broadcasters needed help to keep up with the adjustments in licence fees, and many defaulted. In 2023, Maziko Radio Station was forced to close as the regulator, the Malawi Communications Regulatory Authority (MACRA), revoked its licence due to failure to pay the required taxes. Successes One of the key successes for Malawi in 2023 was the building of a positive relationship between the media and the government. President Chakwera once again invited the media to a breakfast engagement to mark the 2023 World Press Freedom Day (WPFD) commemorations. The engagement provided a rare opportunity to discuss broader issues affecting the media and what needs to be done to improve the operating environment. Following the meeting with the President, the State House Communications Team met MISA Malawi leadership to discuss issues of mutual concern and explore ideas to improve the relationship between the government and the media. Among others, the meeting looked at improving access to the Presidency through the media and ensuring a professional and informed media sector to facilitate national development. Another key positive development for 2023 was the roundtable discussions with MACRA, which included a call for reviewing Country Reports Snapshots broadcasting licence fees and for them to be pegged in Malawi kwacha rather than the US dollar. MACRA promised to revisit the legal framework and ensure a conducive environment for broadcasters, who still need to pay the fees and have accumulated arrears. Ending the year on a positive note, on December 7, 2023, the National Assembly passed the Data Protection Bill, which seeks to provide a regulatory framework for the processing and transfer of personal data. MISA Malawi welcomed the passing of the Bill as it means, among other things, protecting information/data for Malawians, including journalists and sources of information, from unwarranted access. Data protection is key in promoting media freedom and freedom of expression, which are key rights that MISA promotes. Projects In the year under review, MISA Malawi organised over 25 activities with support from different partners. These activities aimed to build the capacity of the media and the general public and engage relevant stakeholders in advocacy. Significant projects in the year included Journalism Education in partnership with Deutsche Welle Akademie and Media Safety and Security in collaboration with the US Embassy. Apart from organising its activities with support from partners, MISA Malawi also participated in a number of national and regional meetings and conferences, signifying its belief in both national and regional collaboration. These regional meetings and conferences include a digital rights seminar in Harare, Zimbabwe, 25