Malawi and South Africa Strengthen Customs Cooperation with Digital Data Exchange
The agreement also advances efforts to operationalise the Customs Mutual Administrative Assistance Agreement (CMAA), a government-to-government framework negotiated in 2019 that provides the legal basis for the exchange and use of customs information between the two countries.
The Malawi Revenue Authority (MRA) and the South African Revenue Service (SARS) have signed an IT Connectivity Implementation Arrangement to enable the secure electronic exchange of customs information, marking a significant step towards strengthening regional customs cooperation, combating fraud and facilitating cross-border trade.
The agreement also advances efforts to operationalise the Customs Mutual Administrative Assistance Agreement (CMAA), a government-to-government framework negotiated in 2019 that provides the legal basis for the exchange and use of customs information between the two countries.
Speaking during the signing ceremony, MRA Commissioner General Felix Kingstone Tambulasi said the electronic data exchange will improve the detection of customs fraud, including undervaluation, duty evasion and value-added tax (VAT) fraud. He added that the arrangement will strengthen risk management, speed up cargo clearance and enhance the protection of government revenue.
Tambulasi noted that South Africa remains Malawi’s second-largest source of imports, accounting for approximately 18% of the country’s imports, valued at US$3 billion during the 2025/26 financial year. He also said the initiative aligns with the World Customs Organization (WCO) Data Model, supporting international standards for customs information exchange.
SARS Commissioner Dr. Ngobeni Johnstone Makhubu described the agreement as a major milestone that builds on the 2010 Memorandum of Cooperation between the two revenue authorities. He said intelligence-led and data-driven customs administration is essential for strengthening compliance, facilitating legitimate trade and improving revenue collection.
Beyond the signing, both organisations agreed to fast-track implementation of the electronic data exchange arrangement while reviewing the CMAA and the existing Memorandum of Cooperation to strengthen the legal framework for tackling customs fraud, supporting legitimate trade and addressing emerging customs and domestic tax challenges.
Tambulasi also acknowledged TradeMark Africa for supporting the Malawi delegation’s participation in the signing ceremony and for its continued assistance in implementing the electronic customs interface between MRA and SARS.
The Malawi delegation included Director of Policy and Planning Michael Masiya, Commissioner of Customs Patrick Kachingwe, Acting Director of Legal and Company Secretary Anthony Chungu, Head of Modernisation Joseph Khonje, and Deputy Director in the Commissioner General’s Office Abigail Kawamba.
