Mzuzu Business Owners Protest Against MRA Electronic Invoicing System
The EIS is designed as a compliance tool for Value Added Tax (VAT), income tax and other taxes.
MZUZU, Malawi—Business owners in Mzuzu on the morning of February 2, 2026, took to the streets to protest against the Malawi Revenue Authority’s (MRA) Electronic Invoicing System (EIS), voicing strong dissatisfaction with the policy, writes Tionge Hara.
The demonstration led to the closure of several shops in the city, as protesters—many dressed in black—marched to the MRA Northern Region office, where they delivered a strongly worded petition.
Similar protests have also been staged in Lilongwe, Blantyre and Zomba.
The demonstrations stem from concerns that the EIS will impose an additional burden on businesses already struggling under a tough economic climate.
Although the MRA recently announced an extension of the EIS implementation deadline to April 30, 2026, to allow for a smoother transition, the move has failed to convince the business community.
One of the protesters, Innocent Phiri, told AfricaBrief in a special interview that traders are unhappy with the system, given the prevailing economic hardships.
“We feel increasingly targeted by tax policies,” Phiri said.
The EIS is designed as a compliance tool for Value Added Tax (VAT), income tax and other taxes.
However, business owners argue that instead of easing compliance, the system adds another strain to their already pressured operations.