Blantyre, Tuesday, 17 December 2024: In a significant step towards enhancing regional trade efficiency, Malawi has officially launched its COMESA Electronic Certificate of Origin (e-CO) programme. It becomes the second Member State to implement the pilot electronic certificate, following Eswatini, which launched in November 2024.

The event in Blantyre was attended by representatives from different Government institutions, the Revenue Office, the media and COMESA Secretariat.

The e-CO initiative is the result of a sub-delegation agreement signed between COMESA and the Government of Malawi in 2021, aimed at implementing various trade facilitation programs. The project has received funding from the European Union Development Fund (EDF 11), emphasizing the collaborative effort to streamline trade processes within the region.

Secretary General Chileshe Mpundu Kapwepwe represented by Senior Customs Affairs Officer, Balness Sumani, said the COMESA e-CO is a game changer in trade facilitation, and is expected to simplify the process for exporters, reduce time and costs associated with obtaining traditional certificates.

She pointed out that the e-CO is expected to provide simpler and fully online processes thereby offer numerous benefits to stakeholders including the exporters, importers, customs authorities, and the national treasuries.

“….the eCO will unlock new economic opportunities including increasing efficiency and transparency through the real-time tracking and monitoring of processes and certificates, enhancing security through the digital signature and secure data exchange, and improved compliance with national and regional legal requirements,” She stated.

Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Trade, Ms Christine Zakeyo, underscored the importance of the e-CO in promoting trade within Malawi and beyond.

She stated that the launch aligns seamlessly with the Malawi 2063 Vision, particularly the pillar on industrialization and economic transformation. Adding that a modernized trade facilitation process is integral to achieving sustainable economic growth.

“By simplifying trade, we empower our private sector, attract investment, and create jobs for our people.  Moreover, the adoption of the e-CO system reflects our dedication to leveraging technology as a driver of economic progress,” she added.