The Common Market for Eastern and Southern Africa (Comesa) has once again demonstrated its forward-thinking trade strategy.
In a significant step towards enhancing regional trade efficiency, Malawi has officially launched its Comesa Electronic Certificate of Origin (e-CO) programme. It becomes the second member state to implement the pilot electronic certificate, following Eswatini, which launched in November last year.
The e-CO initiative is the result of a sub-delegation agreement signed between Comesa and the government of Malawi in 2021, aimed at implementing various trade facilitation programmes. The project has received funding from the European Union Development Fund (EDF 11), emphasising the collaborative effort to streamline trade processes within the region.
Senior customs affairs officer Balness Sumani said the Comesa e-CO was a game changer in trade facilitation, and was expected to simplify the process for exporters and reduce time and costs associated with obtaining traditional certificates.
She pointed out that the e-CO was expected to provide simpler and fully online processes, thereby offering numerous benefits to stakeholders, including exporters, importers, customs authorities and the national treasuries.
“By simplifying trade, we empower our private sector, attract investment, and create jobs for our people. Moreover, the adoption of the e-CO system reflects our dedication to leveraging technology as a driver of economic progress,” she added.
