The Malawi Revenue Authority (MRA) said its newly launched Electronic Invoicing System (EIS) tracked K1.8 billion from over 34,000 invoices in a single afternoon.
This is demonstrating the system’s capacity to transform Value Added Tax administration in the country.
MRA EIS Project Manager George Chalira made the disclosure during a media training organised by the authority in Mangochi on Monday, saying the system is now capable of administering between K1.5 billion and K4 billion in VAT daily — a milestone that was previously difficult to achieve.
For example, by 4pm yesterday, K1.8 billion was tracked from over 34,000 invoices.
He added that the number of merchants who have on boarded the EIS has risen to over 7,800 out of a targeted 9,000.
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MRA Commissioner General Felix Tambulasi said the EIS is putting the tax collector firmly on course to meet its K6.2 trillion revenue target for the 2026/27 financial year, pointing to April’s collection of K532 billion — K22 billion above target.
Tambulasi said accurate media reporting on the EIS has already translated into improved voluntary compliance, and urged journalists to continue playing that role responsibly.
He said the K6.2 trillion revenue target is not just a number but a lifeline for public services.
“One incorrect article on VAT or PAYE can lead a small business to incur unnecessary penalties. Conversely, one clear and well-researched feature on VAT can save a lot of taxpayers from inadvertent noncompliance.
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“These resources are essential for financing our roads, hospitals, schools and other public services. Achieving this target cannot rely on enforcement alone. It requires understanding, trust and cooperation — and the media plays a central role in building that trust,” Tambulasi said.
Arthur Chokotho, President of the Association of Business Journalists, thanked MRA for the training and called for sustained collaboration between the authority and the media to ensure tax matters are communicated accurately to the public.
Meanwhile, business is gradually returning to normal in Limbe as merchants reopen their doors, marking the end of a week-long stay-away protest against the EIS rollout.
Traders across Malawi had shut their shops last week to protest the system’s implementation.
Observations by The Daily Times on Monday morning showed that indigenous Malawianowned businesses were the first to reopen, followed by Malawians of Asian origin later in the mid-morning.
The resumption of trade signals that merchants are moving toward compliance with the EIS requirement, which became mandatory on May 1, 2026.
