The Malawi Confederation of Chambers of Commerce and Industry (MCCCI) has called for accelerated domestication of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) to enable Malawi fully benefit from the market.
In a response to a questionnaire, MCCCI Chief Executive Officer Daisy Kambalame said Malawi’s trade position remains fragile due to challenges, including widening trade deficit, elevated inflation and persistent foreign exchange shortages.
Kambalame said there is need for training for customs officials and small and medium enterprises (SMEs) on rules of origin and tariffs, building on existing programmes being implemented by the Malawi Revenue Authority and GIZ.
“There is a need to expand participation in the Guided Trade Initiative and actively take part in intra-African trade fairs, while targeting quick wins in agro-processed goods and light manufacturing for neighbouring markets,” she said.
Kambalame also called for the completion of One Stop Border Posts (OSBPs) and the National Electronic Single Window to improve trade facilitation.
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According to Kambalame, reducing non-tariff barriers and improving the ease of doing business— such as streamlining licensing processes and foreign exchange allocation for exporters—could help narrow Malawi’s trade deficit.
“Expanding Simplified Trade Regimes with neighboring countries would also boost intra-African exports and position Malawi to benefit from positive regional trade trends,” she said.
The chamber’s sentiments follow notable improvements in regional trade conditions highlighted in the latest Standard Bank Africa Trade Barometer.
The report provides an overview of Africa’s cross-border trade landscape, and points to growing momentum on AfCFTA implementation, with awareness of the agreement at 50 percent and 59 percent of exporters already trading within the continent.
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Meanwhile, Economics Association of Malawi President Bertha Bangara called for active pursuing of bilateral trade agreements to open up new markets for local products.
Ministry of Industrialisation, Business, Trade and Tourism spokesperson Patrick Botha said the domestication of the AfCFTA is in process, as Malawi already ratified, and deposited all our instruments.
“We have in place different rules and regulations such as the Investment Act 2024, the SME Act 2025, all aimed to enhance the operations of the AfCFTA and benefit from it,” Botha said.
