Northern Region Traders Demand EIS Suspension, Threaten Protests
The standoff highlights growing tensions between revenue authorities and businesses over digital tax tools amid ongoing economic pressures in the Northern Region.
Mzuzu, Malawi — The Northern Region Business Association (NRBA) has demanded the immediate suspension of the Malawi Revenue Authority’s Electronic Invoicing System (EIS), citing inadequate consultation and severe operational challenges, writes Tionge Hara.
Traders have threatened to keep shops closed across the region and stage a street protest on Wednesday if their concerns are not addressed by tomorrow.
Speaking to the press on Monday, NRBA Chairperson Chembe Kasambara expressed deep frustration, saying the authority ignored the association’s repeated engagement efforts.
“Despite several efforts to engage stakeholders, the tax collecting body went ahead to roll out the system without fully addressing the practicalities on the ground,” Kasambara stated.
The association argues that the EIS adds an unbearable burden on businesses already navigating Malawi’s tough economic environment.
Key grievances include acute forex scarcity, disputes over declaring sales in US dollars, and fears that the system will stifle small-to-medium enterprises (SMEs).
MRA Commissioner General Felix Tambulasi defended the rollout, describing the EIS as a standard modernization tool rather than a new invention.
He urged affected businesses to engage directly with MRA technical officers for support instead of resorting to industrial action.
“The system is not new,” Tambulasi noted, adding that the authority remains ready to provide technical assistance to taxpayers facing difficulties.
The standoff highlights growing tensions between revenue authorities and businesses over digital tax tools amid ongoing economic pressures in the Northern Region.