By Suleman Chitera

The Malawi Revenue Authority (MRA) has intensified its engagement with the media as it seeks to improve public understanding of taxation and encourage greater compliance among taxpayers.

The authority says journalists have a critical role in bridging the information gap between MRA and the public by providing accurate, simplified and balanced reporting on tax policies and revenue collection initiatives.

Speaking in Blantyre during a media engagement on Monday, MRA Head of Corporate Affairs Wilma Chalulu said effective tax compliance requires collaboration between the authority and other stakeholders, particularly the media.MRA Investigates 44 Employees Over Corruption

Chalulu said MRA’s responsibility goes beyond collecting taxes, as the revenue generated supports government programmes and national development projects.

“At MRA, we are mandated to collect tax revenues for various developmental and social projects in the country. However, this cannot be achieved alone, as we rely on the media to disseminate taxation issues in a way that the public can understand,” she said.

The engagement provided journalists with updates on MRA’s ongoing modernisation agenda, which aims to improve efficiency, transparency and taxpayer experience through technology-driven solutions.

MRA Modernisation Project Manager Zione Malani highlighted several initiatives being implemented by the authority, including the Electronic Tax Invoicing System (EIS), National Single Window, One Stop Border Posts, smart gate technology at border facilities, smart inverter backup systems and the upgraded Integrated Tax Administration System known as Msonkho Online II.MCP – HRDC holds nationwide MRA shut down demonstrations

Malani said the authority is also working on strengthening cross-border trade management through agreements with neighbouring countries.

She disclosed that MRA is preparing to sign Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) with neighbouring revenue authorities to improve the valuation of imported goods and address inconsistencies experienced at border points.

“We are about to sign MoUs with neighbouring countries to ensure proper valuation of cargo goods, as previously you could notice different valuation between Malawi border posts and foreign border posts,” Malani said.

Meanwhile, MRA Marketing and Communications Officer Edward Chipofya revealed that the authority’s rental property information collection exercise has made significant progress, with thousands of properties already captured.MRA Beats April Revenue Target, Collects K532 Billion

Chipofya said the exercise, which is currently targeting low-density areas in Blantyre and Lilongwe, has registered 7,309 properties, representing about 90 percent completion of Phase One.

The initiative is aimed at developing a reliable rental property database to strengthen tax administration and improve revenue mobilisation.

According to Chipofya, the exercise will later expand to medium- and high-density areas, as well as other major cities including Mzuzu and Zomba.

He credited media support for the progress made so far and appealed for continued collaboration during the next phases of the programme.

“We have made tremendous progress so far due to presence of the media. We therefore ask media to continue supporting Phase Two and Phase Three of the exercise,” he said.

The meeting also focused on the Electronic Tax Invoicing System, which MRA says is designed to address weaknesses associated with the previous Electronic Fiscal Device system.

MRA Tax Revenue Officer Limbani Hiwa explained that the new platform uses software technology to transmit invoice information to MRA in real time while allowing consumers to verify invoices through QR codes.

He said the system is expected to reduce challenges such as equipment failures, insecure tax data transmission, invoice manipulation and under-declaration of sales.

Journalists attending the engagement welcomed the initiative, describing taxation reporting as a sensitive area that requires deeper understanding.Suleman Chitera Defends MRA Security Contracts, Dismisses Public Uproar

Maravi journalist Duncan Mlanjira said the training had equipped reporters with better knowledge to explain taxation matters to the public.

He said the media remains a key partner in national development because accurate reporting can help communities understand government policies and encourage responsible citizenship.

As Malawi continues to strengthen domestic revenue mobilisation, MRA believes improved public awareness and cooperation will be essential in building a culture of voluntary tax compliance.Business Community Revolts Against MRA’s EIS Rollout as Traders Reject New Tax System