Minister of Trade Sosten Gwengwe says improving efficiencies in trade facilitation is key in achieving Malawi’s economic development.
He was speaking at a symbolic handover of the K5.5 billion Mwanza One Stop Border Facility at Mwanza Border.
The infrastructure which was constructed by the Roads Authority with a loan facility from World Bank, was expected to be completed in 2022 but delayed due to other factors.
Gwengwe said the facility will improve coordination at the border, thereby reducing the duration for border processes such as goods clearance.
“The main aim is to ensure that we have speedy clearance of goods and people at the border. Government is conducting reforms for seamless trade facilitation but all these reforms will only be effective if all relevant sectors and agencies work in coordination,” said Gwengwe
Mwanza One Stop Border facility include a passenger terminal, car park and offices for border agencies comprising of the Malawi Revenue Authority, Malawi Bureau of Standards, Police, Agriculture and Immigration.
Meanwhile Henry Ngutwa Deputy Commissioner General for MRA, said border operations are key to the nation’s economy and Mwanza border generates about K24 billion per month in revenue, a big share of customs revenue among all borders posts in Malawi.
“The structure will help in improving efficiencies which I believe will increase revenue generation beyond the K24 billion per month,” said Ngutwa.
Speaking at the handover ceremony, World Bank Disaster Risk Management Specialist Mphanda Mkandawire said the institution is working towards addressing barriers affecting trade facilitation among countries.
“In addition to improving efficiencies, these facilities will foster a conducive business environment, and as World Bank we reaffirm our continued support to Malawi”
Besides, Steve Kasambwe Chairperson for Mwanza District Council called on government to invest some of the revenue generated at the border towards developmental activities in Mwanza and surrounding areas.
“Mwanza is a strategic district in our economy because of the border post and agricultural activities taking place. Therefore there is need to invest in roads infrastructure, a modern market and other infrastructures to maximise potential gains the district has to offer,” said Kasambwe
Similar projects are being undertaken at Songwe and Karonga borders, while Dedza One Stop Border Post was already completed.
In 2022 Malawi President Lazarus Chakwera and his Zambian counterpart officially launched the Mchinji Mwami One Stop Border Post, a key facility in exports drive and cross border trade.