Malawi’s Confederation of Chambers of Commerce and Industry launched the Single Digital Portal to automate trade and enhance market access. The platform allows local producers to showcase products online and facilitates the digital issuance of trade documents, reducing bureaucratic hurdles and costs for businesses.
Malawi’s Confederation of Chambers of Commerce and Industry has launched the Single Digital Portal, aimed at automating trade activities and enhancing the country’s international market presence. This platform modernizes trade processes, enabling local producers to display their products to global buyers online.
The Single Digital Portal not only provides a marketplace for small and medium enterprises (SMEs) but also offers digital administrative access, allowing users to apply for and receive trade documents like Certificates of Origin online. This streamlining of processes is critical for facilitating trade and reducing complexity.
Minister of Trade and Industry, Vitumbiko Mumba, emphasized that the portal would significantly minimize bureaucratic hurdles, stating, “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, president of the Confederation, highlighted that the platform is part of a broader digital transformation strategy effective until 2026. He noted, “This platform allows manufacturers to obtain certificates of origin online, making it easier for them to export goods and attract international buyers.”
The Single Digital Portal incorporates an identity verification system through a partnership with the National Registration Bureau (NRB), ensuring only verified businesses can engage in transactions. To further promote the platform’s adoption, the Confederation has halved registration fees for businesses that apply online.
The launch of the Single Digital Portal represents a significant step in modernizing Malawi’s trade framework. By automating trade activities and facilitating online transactions, the platform aims to elevate the participation of local SMEs in international markets. With reduced costs and streamlined processes, Malawi is taking crucial strides towards digital integration in commerce.
Original Source: itweb.africa
