Ministry of Finance, Economic Planning and Decentralisaton Pincipal Secretary (for Economic Planning and Development Patrick Kabambe has called for strengthening of domestic revenue mobilisation, saying it is fundamental to fiscal sustainability and economic independence.
He was speaking on Wednesday in Salima District during the opening of the 2026 World Customs Organisation for East and Southern Africa Regional Steering Group meeting hosted by Malawi Revenue Authority (MRA).
Kabambe said there is need to strengthen compliance management, improve the accuracy of customs valuation and tariff classification, tackle illicit trade and use intelligence and risk-based controls to minimise revenue leakages.
“We want greater professionalism, transparency, integrity and accountability in revenue collection to ensure that taxes and duties are collected fairly and efficiently,” he said.
and accountability. | Lovemore Khomo
Kabambe highlighted the importance of accelerating customs modernisation through digital and technological transformation for improving operational efficiency, transparency and accountability.
“Digital customs systems, electronic documentation, automated risk management and data analytics can improve the speed and accuracy of customs processes while strengthening enforcement,” he said.
Kabambe also urged MRA to continue investing in appropriate technologies and developing interoperable systems that allow for the secure and timely exchange of information across borders.
MRA commissioner general Felix Tambulasi said meeting provided an opportunity to delegates to share experiences and insights on how customs can adapt to emerging challenges and improve its operations.
He said the role of customs has evolved in response to changes in trade, technology, security concerns and the expectations of the public and business community.
“Artificial intelligence, machine learning and other technological prowess have demanded that customs no longer remains rooted to the past,” said Tambulasi.
The group’s chairperson of the Regional Strategy Working Group Coffet Lebepe said efficient trade facilitation and regional integration coupled with sustainable revenue mobilisation and digitalisation, are critical to promoting economic growth.
“We are developing a common approach to understand benefits to authorised operators and ensure that authorised traders when arriving at the border, are the promised benefits delivered consistently,” he said.
The meeting has brought together members from 24 countries and is being held under the theme ‘Customs protecting society through vigilance and commitment’.
World Customs Organisation East and Southern Africa is a regional bloc of 24 member customs administrations working to harmonise customs procedures, enhance trade facilitation and strengthen enforcement.
