Malawi has launched the Single Digital Portal, a platform aimed at streamlining trade processes, enhancing market access for local producers, and reducing bureaucracy in trade. The platform allows SMEs to showcase products and manage administrative functions online, with measures in place to verify user identities and reduced registration fees to encourage participation.
Malawi has recently introduced a digital platform, known as the Single Digital Portal, aimed at automating trade activities and enhancing its presence in international markets. This initiative was launched by the Confederation of Chambers of Commerce and Industry to modernize trade processes and provide local producers with a venue to showcase their products to global buyers.
The platform not only serves as a marketplace for small and medium enterprises (SMEs) but also offers digital access to essential administrative functions. These features include online applications and the issuance of vital trade documents such as Certificates of Origin, streamlining previously cumbersome processes.
Minister of Trade and Industry, Vitumbiko Mumba, emphasized the importance of the portal in reducing bureaucratic hurdles. “This portal will significantly reduce bureaucracy in trade by enabling digital applications for licenses and trade documents. The world is going digital, and Malawi cannot afford to be left behind.”
Wisely Phiri, the president of the Confederation of Chambers of Commerce and Industry, noted that the platform is integral to the organization’s digital transformation strategy, extending through 2026. Phiri remarked, “This platform allows manufacturers to obtain certificates of origin online, making it easier for them to export goods and attract international buyers. Previously, businesses had to visit our offices physically, but now everything is streamlined digitally.”
In partnership with the National Registration Bureau (NRB), the system incorporates identity verification, ensuring that only verified businesses and individuals can engage in transactions on this platform. To support adoption, the Malawi Confederation of Chambers of Commerce and Industry (MCCCI) has reduced registration fees by 50% for businesses applying through the portal.
The launch of the Single Digital Portal in Malawi represents a significant step towards modernizing trade practices and facilitating international business. By providing a streamlined platform for local producers, the initiative aims to reduce bureaucracy and enhance trade efficiency. With the potential to revolutionize how businesses operate in Malawi, the emphasis on digital integration is poised to attract international buyers and foster economic growth.
Original Source: itweb.africa
