Alliance project set to boost national trade competitiveness through improved clearing processes
Lilongwe, Malawi – 
Malawi is upskilling its Customs clearing agents, significantly enhancing efficiency in cross-border trade operations. An Alliance-led initiative has introduced a new licensing framework for clearing agents complete with a training curriculum and exam.
Customs clearing agents are a vital cog in the machine of international trade, handling all the documentation needed to clear goods arriving and leaving the country. If well-trained and professional, these agents can ensure that documentation is error-free, that traders pay the correct fees and that goods keep moving smoothly and efficiently across borders
The Alliance’s public-private partnership approach enabled input from key Customs brokers associations as well as the Malawi Revenue Authority (MRA) in designing the framework. Stakeholders such as the Ministry of Trade, Industry and Tourism and the Malawi University of Business and Applied Sciences contributed to the trainings with their expertise.
The first cohort of 99 clearing agents, including 18% women, were certified in May 2024, followed by a second cohort of 144 agents, with 24% women, in November 2024.
The upskilling efforts have already led to a 16.2% reduction in Customs processing time, a 43.2% decrease in errors on lodgements, and a 23.1% decline in the cost of Customs brokerage activities. These improvements are expected to foster greater transparency, increased cooperation, and trust between public and private sectors.
The new licensing framework was formally approved by Parliament, reflecting Malawi’s commitment to implement international best practices and WCO guidelines. This milestone marks a significant step forward in the country’s trade facilitation efforts, ensuring sustained improvements in customs efficiency and national competitiveness.
“I want to take a moment to express Malawi Revenue Authority’s appreciation for the incredible support provided by the Alliance throughout the Modernisation of Clearing Agents Licencing Framework project in Malawi. The Alliance’s unwavering commitment and support played a pivotal role in the success of the project.” Fredrick Mpeusa, Commissioner Customs and Excise – Malawi Revenue Authority
On behalf of Indigenous Customs Clearing and Forwarding Association (ICCAFA), I would like to thank the Center for International Private Enterprise and the Alliance (…) through this project Malawi will have a body of highly qualified trained and efficient Customs brokers who will be able to facilitate faster clearance and transit of goods, thereby contributing to the development of our country.” Yohane Emmanuel Kapalamula, General Secretary, ICCAFA