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Malawi Trade Portal Summary

Core Content

The Malawi Trade Portal (MTP) is a digital platform aimed at improving trade facilitation by providing traders with access to all regulatory trade-related information in one place. It was launched with support from the World Bank Group's Trade Facilitation Support Program (TFSP) and has significantly eased the burden on traders by reducing the time and effort required to obtain necessary documents and information.

Key Information

• Project Implementation: Started in June 2015, with initial costs of approximately $650,000 for the first 12 months.
• Purpose: To centralize and digitize trade-related information, making it easier for traders to comply with regulations.
• Content of the Portal: Includes laws, regulations, technical standards, sanitary and phytosanitary measures, commodity classification, tariffs, procedures for license or permit application, and forms with instructions.
• User Benefits: Traders can access information instantly, avoiding the need for onsite visits and long delays.
• Supporting Governance: A governance structure involving multiple ministries and agencies ensures review and coordination of the project.

Main Viewpoints

• Discrepancies Between Law and Practice:

  • There are often differences between de jure (legal) and de facto (actual) practices.
  • For example, the Tobacco Control Commission, not the Ministry of Industry, Trade and Tourism, is handling tobacco exports in practice, despite the law stating otherwise.
  • Flowcharts were developed to clarify procedures and raise awareness among traders about permissible actions.

• Slow Legal Reforms:

  • Legal reforms lag behind policy implementation, causing delays and inconsistencies.
  • Ministries sometimes use policies as de facto laws, leading to potential overreach or inaction.
  • The Fisheries Department uses the 2001 Fisheries and Aquaculture Policy instead of the 1998 Fisheries Conservation and Management Act, which is still under review.

• Lack of Transparency and Corruption:

  • Inconsistent application of regulations across different borders and departments increases the risk of corruption.
  • Permits may be given orally or not used, leading to a lack of uniformity.
  • The MTP is helping to increase transparency and reduce human contact, thus empowering traders to challenge incorrect practices.

• Jurisdiction Overlaps:

  • Overlapping jurisdictions among agencies cause unnecessary delays and confusion.
  • The Salt Regulations, for instance, are administered by the Ministry of Health, but the Ministry of Industry and Trade has been issuing waivers, leading to conflicts.
  • The governance structure has helped clarify responsibilities and jurisdiction, even though it was not originally planned.

Lessons Learned

• Lesson 1: Discrepancies between de jure and de facto practices are common and can create silent barriers to trade.
• Lesson 2: Slow legal reforms can hinder the effective implementation of good trade policies.
• Lesson 3: Lack of transparency in the application of regulations can lead to corruption.
• Lesson 4: Jurisdiction overlaps among agencies complicate trade procedures and increase costs.

Conclusion

The MTP has made a significant contribution to trade facilitation by making information more accessible and reducing administrative burdens. It is part of a broader initiative to simplify trade procedures and improve the business environment. The next step is the implementation of a national single window system to further enhance efficiency. These measures are expected to support economic growth, investment, and job creation, aligning with the government's development goals.

Disclaimer

This document is part of the SmartLessons program, which shares lessons learned in development-oriented advisory services. The views and conclusions expressed are those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect the views of IFC or its partner organizations. IFC does not assume responsibility for the completeness or accuracy of the information provided. For more details, visit www.ifc.org/smartlessons or contact the program at smartlessons@ifc.org.