Malawi's Minister of Information and Communications Technology, Nicholas Dausi (centre) chats with Chinese officials. (Xinhua/photo by Malawi information department)

DOWA, Malawi, Aug. 23 (Xinhua) -- The Malawi government has launched a satellite television project which seeks to make 500 rural communities connected to satellite television services, with assistance from China.

The development is a follow-up action since the 2015 Forum on China-Africa Cooperation (FOCAC) summit held in South Africa, and part of China's pledge to provide satellite TV reception to 10,000 African villages.

In his remarks during the launch earlier this week, Malawi President Peter Mutharika hailed the Chinese government for the initiative, saying it resonates with his development strategy of bringing development to the country's rural masses through Rural Growth Centers.

Mutharika said: "Malawi is migrating into a digital world and I want everyone in rural areas to be part of that migration.

"I want rural people to have access to information because informed people make informed choices and decisions." he said.

Chinese Ambassador to Malawi Liu Hongyang said the project was a concrete reflection of China-Malawi friendship and cooperation.

"Since the establishment of our diplomatic ties, the two countries have witnessed rapidly growing and continuously deepening bilateral cooperation which brings tangible benefits to the people of Malawi," he said.

Liu disclosed that through the project, China will also donate 500 sets of solar digital TV integrated with decoder, 1,000 sets of solar projector TV system, and 10,000 sets of digital decoder.

The country's rural masses are expected to have access to at least 21 TV channels through the project, including three local channels. China's Star Times Group was implementing the project.