Malawi Bureau of Standards (MBS) says it has replaced its paper-based operations through its management information system, which will ease the doing of business.
Speaking at a validation workshop in Lilongwe on Friday, MBS deputy director for quality assurance services Dennis Edward Kumbedza said the digital upgrade is expected to cut clearance times, lower business costs and strengthen product certification integrity, thereby addressing bottlenecks that have long frustrated traders and investors.
He said the system will eliminate the need for applicants to travel to MBS offices in Lilongwe or Mzuzu.
“This will cut transport costs. More importantly, it will enable us to meet our service charter target of delivering feedback within 21 working days compared with 30 days or more under the manual system,” said Kumbedza.
Funded by the World Bank through the Southern Africa Trade and Connectivity Project (Satcp), the initiative seeks to improve trade within Malawi and across borders, particularly with Mozambique and Zambia by digitising government processes and linking them to the Malawi National Single Window.
Satcp communications consultant Joab Chakhadza said digitalisation processes at MBS and other government ministries, departments and agencies proved that manual systems were a major barrier to trade.
Developed by Malawian tech firm Idias Corporation, the system will allow traders to register, apply for certification, make payments and track applications via computer or smartphone.
It will also integrate with MBS’s laboratory systems for real-time tracking of product samples.
Idias Corporation managing director Edwin Saidi said the system will help to build trust for local exports.
