The Malawi Revenue Authority (MRA) has said it expects to maximise customs revenue collection at Mwanza Border once the One- Stop Border Post (OSBP) project is complete.
The border is Malawi’s largest entry and exit point mobilising between K216 billion and K400 billion annually through customs duties.
On Wednesday, MRA organised a tour for journalists to provide them with insights into its revenue collection efforts.
MRA Communications Manager Wilma Chalulu said currently over 70 trucks of goods weighing about 30 tonnes each cross the border everyday translating to over 2,100 tonnes in a day.
She said on average the border makes K18 billion in customs revenue.
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“One of the projects under trade facilitation is the OSBP that is going to help in the smooth processing of clients crossing the border from both ends.
“The project is at an advanced stage and in due course will be operational. We have already seen some positive results from Mchinji where the OSBP is operational, so, the Mwanza OSBP will surely improve trade facilitation.
“The consistent revenue performance of Mwanza Border Post underscores its critical role in driving economic growth and stability within our nation,” Chalulu said.
She added that MRA has invested in modern technologies and capacity building to enhance the skills of border officials and improve overall operational efficiency.
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This includes the implementation of electronic systems for customs clearance and the use of risk-based approaches to prioritise inspections which will be in the new OSBP.
Furthermore, Chalulu highlighted the various processes undertaken at Mwanza Border Post to facilitate smooth transit of goods and passengers while ensuring compliance with regulatory requirements.
“Contrary to popular belief, Mwanza Border Post is committed to improving efficiency and reducing delays. Initiatives such as the proposed establishment of a unified border post will further expedite operations by consolidating and harmonising procedures,” Chalulu said.
Recently, MRA indicated that it had collected over K2 trillion in taxes in the eleven-month period between April 2023 and February 2024, setting it up to beat the K2.18 revised target for the 2023-24 financial year.
Its Commissioner General John Biziwick told journalists that in the third quarter of the current financial year, MRA beat its target by K27.31 billion after collecting K571.14 billion.
He said domestic taxes increased to K1.410 trillion, while customs and excise reached K591.632 billion.
