Strengthening Bilateral Trade



... Collaborative Effort to Remove Trade Barriers Through Harmonization of Regulatory Standards Between Zambia and Malawi

By Francis Maingaila ♥️ 

Lusaka, Zambia - December 22, 2024 - Zambia and Malawi are taking steps to improve bilateral trade by harmonizing regulatory standards, aiming to remove trade barriers and promote smoother commerce between the two nations.

A partnership involving the Zambia Bureau of Standards (ZABS), Zambia Compulsory Standards Agency (ZCSA), Zambia Metrology Agency (ZMA), and the Malawi Bureau of Standards (MBS) is central to this effort. The collaboration seeks to streamline regulations and foster more efficient cross-border trade.




According to a joint statement issued by ZABS Senior Marketing and Communications Officer Nzali Chella (Ms.), ZCSA Acting Manager – Communications and Public Relations Brian Hatyoka (Mr.), and ZMA Senior Public Relations Officer Sandra Mwila (Ms.), MBS Director General Bernard Thole highlighted the commitment to finalizing a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) and a Mutual Recognition Agreement (MRA) by March 2025. He emphasized the importance of continued cooperation to dismantle trade barriers.




This initiative follows a series of consultative meetings held in Lusaka from December 16 to 20, 2024, where representatives from both Zambia’s and Malawi’s Ministries of Commerce, Trade, and Industry, along with officials from ZABS, ZCSA, ZMA, and MBS, gathered to discuss strategies for boosting bilateral trade.

A Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) is expected to be finalized by the first quarter of 2025, providing a framework for cooperation in areas such as standardization, metrology, certification, inspection, and testing. 

In addition, a draft Mutual Recognition Agreement (MRA) has been prepared, which will ensure that certified products from one country are recognized in the other, further minimizing trade obstacles.



ZMA Executive Director Humphrey Nkobeni emphasized the vital role of national quality infrastructure (NQI) institutions in fostering trade. 

“We will ensure that products traded between Zambia and Malawi meet required standards and regulatory criteria,” he said. “This will improve the efficiency of cross-border trade by reducing delays and costs related to non-compliance.”

The delegates also compiled a gap analysis report, identifying areas for improvement in standardization, metrology, certification, and testing. 

Additionally, a schedule for the harmonization of standards based on commonly traded goods between Zambia and Malawi has been developed.

Southern Africa Trade and Connectivity Project (SATCP) Financial Management Specialist Barnett Alfred Phiri urged the Malawi Ministry of Commerce, Trade, and Industry to expedite formalizing the MRA.

He pointed out that operationalizing the MRA would help harmonize standards, accreditation, and metrology systems, benefiting both businesses and consumers.

The Zambia-Malawi partnership is expected to strengthen economic ties, enhance market access, and foster regional competitiveness in Southern Africa.


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