Malawi’s Minister of Trade and Industry, Engineer Vitumbiko A.Z. Mumba, has put campaign politics aside to secure a landmark trade agreement with Zambia that promises to make life easier for farmers, traders, and consumers in both countries.
Mumba and Mutolo
In Lusaka on Monday, Mumba signed the long-awaited Mutual Recognition Agreement (MRA) on Conformity Assessment alongside Zambia’s Minister of Agriculture, Mtolo Phiri. The deal means Malawi and Zambia will now officially recognise each other’s product quality checks, removing costly delays and duplicate inspections at the border.
This agreement covers key crops like maize, groundnuts, beans, rice, soybeans, and sorghum—staples that feed millions and drive rural economies.
“This Agreement is more than just trade facilitation,” Mumba said. “It is about building trust between our countries, making trade smoother, cheaper, and faster. It sets the stage for industrial growth, competitiveness, and consumer protection.”
By cutting red tape, the deal will help Malawian farmers sell their produce more quickly in Zambia, give traders better market access, and ensure consumers on both sides enjoy quality products at fairer prices. It’s also a step towards the African Continental Free Trade Area dream—where goods and services move freely across African borders.
The agreement was made possible with support from COMESA, the Alliance for a Green Revolution in Africa (AGRA), and the UK’s Foreign Commonwealth and Development Office. Malawi is now eyeing a similar agreement with Zimbabwe before year-end.
For Malawians, this means more jobs, more trade opportunities, and a stronger agricultural sector—proof that when politics pauses for progress, everyone wins.
