Importing to Malawi

Malawi’s import and export licensing system includes restrictions primarily due to health, safety, and national security concerns, leading to frequent border crossing delays. Efforts are being made to streamline trade by establishing one-stop border posts. E-commerce options in Malawi are limited, although there have been notable recent improvements. Internet penetration is about 30 percent in cities and 15 percent nationwide. Nearly 85 percent of internet users in Malawi access it via mobile devices. In the 2021 Inclusive Internet Index, Malawi was ranked 114th. Mobile phone operators aggressively promote subscriptions, covering around 39 percent of the internet market. The mobile money services sector is expanding, with over 10.1 million registered users and more than 60 percent using these services regularly. Commercial banks are transitioning from ATM cards to VISA credit or debit cards, which enhances e-commerce access. In 2020, Malawi was ranked 141 out of 152 countries for e-commerce and digital economy development. In 2020, ICT goods imports to Malawi were at 3.3 percent of total imports. Although there have been substantial fluctuations in ICT goods imports over the years, the general trend from 2001 to 2020 has been a decrease, ending at 3.3 percent in 2020.