Malawi and South Africa have signed a new IT connectivity arrangement that will allow their revenue authorities to exchange customs and tax information electronically, a move officials say will strengthen enforcement and curb fraud.
The Malawi Revenue Authority (MRA) and the South African Revenue Service (SARS) formalised the agreement this week, paving the way for real‑time data sharing to detect undervaluation, duty evasion and VAT fraud.
The deal also advances efforts to operationalise the 2019 Customs Mutual Administrative Assistance Agreement, which provides the legal basis for cross‑border customs cooperation.
MRA Commissioner General Felix Kingstone Tambulasi said the system, aligned with World Customs Organisation standards, would speed up cargo clearance and improve oversight in a trade corridor where South Africa accounts for about 18% of Malawi’s imports, worth roughly $3 billion in 2025/26.
SARS Commissioner Ngobeni Johnstone Makhubu described the agreement as a major milestone in a partnership dating back to 2010, noting that better use of data and intelligence is central to improving compliance and supporting legitimate trade.
Both sides agreed to fast‑track implementation and strengthen the legal framework for tackling emerging customs and domestic tax challenges.
JN/APA