Malawi has moved to systematically working with neighbours, Mozambique and Zambia, to enhance trade and investment under a $150 million World Bank supported Southern Africa Trade and Connectivity Project.
Of the amount, $75 million is a grant while the remaining half is being accessed as a loan.
The five-year programme, which started in 2021, is aimed at increasing regional trade coordination, reducing trade costs and time, developing regional value chains and improving access to infrastructure.
Implementation of projects under the initiative is being overseen by the Ministry of Transport and Public Works in partnership with 14 other government departments and agencies including the Malawi Revenue Authority (MRA).
Key activities under the project include building capacity for small and medium enterprises, updating of MRA’s online system, developing the IT system at the Department of Immigration, and automation of the imports and exports system for agricultural products.
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The project will also see the rehabilitation of Muloza border in Mulanje, rehabilitation of the Liwonde-Matawale (Zomba) Road and construction of a weigh station along the road.
Addressing journalists at MRA offices Thursday, Ministry of Transport Chief Economist Ganizani Liwewe said a cost benefit analysis shows that the country would reap in excess of $250 million through the project period.
“If we are reducing the time required in clearing goods, that would mean enhanced productivity for traders and that is important. It eases the cost of doing business in Malawi which should attract attention from importers and transporters,” he said.
Already, through the project, MRA has moved to upgrade its Automated System for Customs Data to enhance efficiency.
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MRA Manager responsible for Marketing Communications Wilma Chalulu said the upgrade will ensure smooth facilitation of transactions under the revenue collection body
