Evidence Matters for Transformational Impact
What are the Potential Impacts of Export Mandates on Malawi’s Economy and Development Trajectory?
First release: January 3rd, 2025
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Photo Credit: Shutterstroke
​Malawi's 2018 Control of Goods Act (COGA) introduced a more structured and transparent approach to trade regulation, limiting discretionary government interventions while ensuring public interest protections. In 2021, the Ministry of Trade implemented Export Mandates, which were anchored on the 2018 COGA, to regulate exports and track repatriated proceeds. However, resistance from exporters has hindered full implementation.
This policy brief explores the potential impacts of Export Mandates on Malawi’s economy and development plans.
​It highlights the risks of trade restrictions, including reduced foreign exchange earnings, market distortions, and investment disincentives. At the same time, it examines how these mandates could align with—or conflict with—key national policies like Malawi 2063, the National Export Strategy II, and agricultural transformation initiatives.
Through evidence-based analysis, this brief proposes practical policy recommendations to refine Malawi’s trade regulations. By shifting from restrictive measures to market-driven strategies—such as variable export taxes, enhanced production incentives, and streamlined export earnings tracing—Malawi can harness the full benefits of international trade while protecting its economic stability.
