Frequently Asked Quesitions
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Top investment & export questions answered.
An Investment Certificate is a formal approval issued by MITC for projects worth US$50,000 or more. It is mandatory for both local and foreign investors to access investment incentives and proceed with regulatory permits. The certificate is valid for 3 years (foreign) or 5 years (local), with different fee structures.
To invest or start a business in Malawi, you must register with the Registrar of Companies and obtain a Taxpayer Identification Number (TPIN) from the Malawi Revenue Authority (MRA). Projects worth US$50,000 or more must apply for an Investment Certificate from MITC, which streamlines access to permits and incentives. MITC’s One-Stop Service Centre assists investors with registration, permits, and sector-specific approvals.
To invest or start a business in Malawi, you must register with the Registrar of Companies and obtain a Taxpayer Identification Number (TPIN) from the Malawi Revenue Authority (MRA). Projects worth US$50,000 or more must apply for an Investment Certificate from MITC, which streamlines access to permits and incentives. MITC’s One-Stop Service Centre assists investors with registration, permits, and sector-specific approvals.
Malawi is part of major trade blocs like COMESA, SADC, and AfCFTA, allowing duty-free access to many African markets. It also enjoys preferential access to the EU (EBA) and US (AGOA), meaning many goods can enter those markets tariff-free if they meet origin requirements. These agreements boost Malawi’s export competitiveness.
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Exporters must register with MRA, use the appropriate customs forms (Form 38 or Form 12), and obtain export licenses for restricted goods. Certificates of Origin and permits may also be needed depending on the product and destination. MITC assists with trade facilitation and helps exporters benefit from trade agreements such as COMESA, SADC, AfCFTA, AGOA (US), and EBA (EU), which offer duty-free access to various markets.
Challenges in Malawi include limited infrastructure (roads, electricity), foreign exchange shortages, and regulatory delays. However, MITC serves as a central hub to reduce bureaucracy by coordinating registrations, licenses, and permits, and offering advisory services. It promotes investment opportunities, hosts trade fairs, and supports investors and exporters through its One-Stop Service Centre.
Malawi prioritizes sectors such as agriculture and agro-processing, energy, manufacturing, tourism, ICT, and mining. These sectors benefit from enhanced incentives and government support due to their potential to drive economic growth and job creation. Investors in these areas often receive tax holidays and import duty exemptions.
Beyond registration and investment certification, investors may need sector-specific licenses, land acquisition approvals, and residency or employment permits (especially for foreign staff). These include Business Residence Permits, environmental clearances, and regulatory approvals depending on the industry. MITC helps coordinate these processes through its One-Stop Centre.
MITC assists exporters by providing market information, promoting products internationally, facilitating participation in trade fairs, and managing export incentives. It also helps businesses obtain export licenses and access trade preferences under regional and global trade agreements, reducing the cost and complexity of exporting from Malawi.
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Phone
Office
Aquarius House - West Wing, City Centre, Lilongwe, Malawi
