The Malawi Revenue Authority (MRA) is relying on local communities to play a crucial role in combating the smuggling of imported goods. Smuggling poses a significant challenge to the government’s efforts to collect adequate revenue necessary for the country’s development.

MRA Marketing Communications Manager Wilma Chalulu emphasized that smuggling not only hampers revenue collection but also creates an unfair disadvantage for honest businesses that pay their taxes, as smuggled goods often undercut market prices.

Chalulu made these remarks at Marka Nyathando Station in Nsanje, during the launch of a tour for editors organized by the MRA to shed light on tax collection efforts and the associated challenges.

“We regularly engage with communities, including local chiefs, to ensure they understand the negative impact of smuggling on development. In return, these communities alert us to smuggling activities, enabling us to apprehend those involved in these illegal practices. However, smuggling remains a significant challenge, and our fight against it is ongoing,” Chalulu stated.

Marka Nyathando Station is anticipated to become a key operational center for the MRA once the construction of the Marka-Bangula Railway Line is completed.

Gracian Tukula, Secretary General of the Malawi Editors Forum, described the tour as enlightening and empowering for editors, providing them with a firsthand understanding of the realities at the country’s borders. “This knowledge is crucial as it helps us make informed decisions when developing and pitching stories related to tax administration in Malawi,” Tukula noted.