BLANTYRE-(MaraviPost)-In a significant step towards enhancing trade relations between Malawi and Zambia, the two countries have officially signed a Mutual Recognition Agreement (MRA) on Conformity Assessment.

The agreement, signed in Lusaka, Zambia, by Minister of Trade and Industry Engineer Vitumbiko A.Z. Mumba and Zambia’s Minister of Agriculture, Mtolo Phiri, aims to facilitate trade through mutual recognition of conformity assessment processes.

The MRA will cover key commodities such as maize, groundnuts, beans, rice, soybean, and sorghum, and is expected to reduce redundant procedures, cut trade costs, and minimize delays at border crossings.

According to Minister Mumba, the agreement will ensure efficiency and free flow of trade between the two countries, strengthening trust between national quality institutions and building mutual confidence in standards and regulatory frameworks.

The agreement is a result of collaboration between the Common Market for Eastern and Southern Africa (COMESA), the Alliance for a Green Revolution in Africa (AGRA), and the Foreign Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO, UK).

Malawi is expected to sign a similar agreement with Zimbabwe before the end of the year, following concluded negotiations.

COMESA Assistant Secretary General for Programmes, Mohamed Kadah, emphasized that duplicative conformity assessments are a major challenge for regional traders, inflating costs and restricting trade.

The agreement is expected to increase intra-COMESA trade, currently valued at $14 billion, and promote economic growth and development in the region.

The signing of the MRA marks a significant milestone in the bilateral relations between Malawi and Zambia, demonstrating their commitment to practical regional integration and cooperation.

As Minister Mumba noted, the agreement is a direct contribution to the aspirations of the AfCFTA, bringing to life the principle of harmonized trade systems that reduce costs and increase efficiency.