News from the Southern Africa Trade and Connectivity Project (Malawi).
Malawi has officially launched its National Single Window (NSW) system, marking a significant advancement in the country’s efforts to streamline trade and embrace digital transformation. The Go Live event, led by the Minister of Trade and Industry, Hon. Engineer Vitumbiko A.Z. Mumba, represents a major milestone in enhancing the efficiency and transparency of cross-border trade.
The NSW is designed as a strategic tool to harmonise and digitise trade processes, simplifying procedures for traders and reducing clearance times and costs. Its implementation is aligned with Malawi’s international trade obligations, including the World Trade Organisation’s Trade Facilitation Agreement and the African Continental Free Trade Area, and supports the nation’s ambition to strengthen its position as a land-linked regional trade hub.
Comprehensive groundwork was completed in the lead-up to the launch, including system development, stakeholder training, and data input. Ongoing training is planned to support new licence applicants and ensure all traders are prepared to use the system effectively.
The initial roll-out phase involves the Ministry of Trade and Industry, with six additional agencies expected to be integrated over the coming weeks. This phased approach aims to enable seamless onboarding and sustained support for all involved stakeholders.
Key users—particularly traders who frequently require licences and permits—were invited to witness the launch, reinforcing engagement with the platform from the outset. The business community has been encouraged to adopt the system and provide feedback to ensure its continuous improvement.
The NSW forms a critical component of the Southern Africa Trade and Connectivity Project (SATCP), funded by the World Bank through the Ministry of Transport and Public Works. It is designed to integrate seamlessly with existing systems such as the Malawi Revenue Authority’s ASYCUDA World System, e-payment platforms, and banking networks, supporting a cohesive and connected trade environment in line with regional and global standards.
Expected to significantly enhance trade facilitation and contribute to economic growth, the NSW system will be live for seven key Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs) in its first phase. By September 2025, the platform is set to expand to 22 agencies. The project is backed by a $6.9 million investment from the World Bank.
