LILONGWE-(MaraviPost)-The Centre for Democracy and Economic Development Initiatives (CDEDI) has formally notified the Lilongwe District Council of its intention to hold a peaceful demonstration on Wednesday, 13 May 2026, against what it describes as economic sabotage by some businesspersons resisting the Electronic Invoicing System (EIS) rolled out by the Malawi Revenue Authority (MRA).
In a letter dated 11 May 2026 addressed to District Commissioner Stalich Mwambila, CDEDI said the march would start at 10am from the Lilongwe Community Centre ground and proceed through Kamuzu Procession Road to the Immigration offices.
The organization said vigils would begin there until what it termed “unscrupulous business people” are deported.
CDEDI said the action follows its 8 May 2026 press statement titled NO ONE SHOULD HOLD THE COUNTRY AT RANSOM OVER EIS, OPEN THE SHOPS OR PACK UP AND GO, in which it expressed dismay that some traders were closing shops in protest against the EIS.
The organization claimed it had names of businesspersons of Asian origin allegedly financing, mobilizing, and forcing others to close their shops in an attempt to pressure MRA to reverse the system.
“Since the given ultimatum has been ignored, it simply means that they are not ready to comply with the country’s laws; hence, they should relocate to a country where such economic sabotage is allowed. Not here,” the letter reads.
CDEDI said it had earlier challenged honest and law-abiding businesspersons to open their shops by Monday, 11 May 2026, so that MRA officials could assist those facing challenges with the EIS.
It argued that continued closure of shops amounted to holding the country at ransom and undermining the revenue authority’s efforts to widen the tax base and improve compliance.
The organization described itself as a mouthpiece for the voiceless citizenry and said the demonstration was part of its governance watchdog role.
It urged authorities to allow the march to proceed peacefully, saying the aim was to protect the public interest and ensure businesses comply with Malawian law.
The EIS, introduced by MRA to curb tax evasion and improve invoicing transparency, has faced resistance from sections of the business community since its rollout.
While some traders have cited technical and cost challenges, government maintains that compliance is mandatory.
CDEDI said the planned march would remain peaceful and called on law enforcers to provide security for participants and the public.
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