By Rahim Abdul
Blantyre was the hub of a major capacity-building drive this week as the Malawi Revenue Authority (MRA) conducted an intensive training workshop for journalists from the Southern Region, focusing on its flagship digital service, Msonkho Online.
The platform, designed to allow taxpayers to file returns and make payments electronically, is at the heart of MRA’s modernization strategy.
Officials say it is aimed at reducing queues at tax offices, cutting processing times, and curbing errors that often arise with manual filing.
Speaking at the opening, MRA officials emphasized that empowering the media with in-depth knowledge about Msonkho Online will lead to clearer, fact-based reporting that demystifies tax processes for the public.
“The media is a bridge between us and the people. If they understand the system well, they can help spread accurate information and encourage voluntary compliance,” said one MRA spokesperson.
The training was supported by GIZ Malawi through its Strengthening Public Financial and Economic Management (PFEM–Tikuze Malawi) project, which works to enhance transparency, accountability, and efficiency in public finance systems.
The partnership, according to MRA, reflects a shared vision of building a culture of tax compliance as a foundation for national development.
Participants engaged in hands-on sessions, navigating the Msonkho Online interface, troubleshooting common challenges, and exploring ways to integrate tax-related content into news coverage.
The workshop also touched on broader topics such as the link between tax revenue and public service delivery, and the role of investigative journalism in safeguarding fiscal accountability.
