By Jones Gadama
The Malawi Revenue Authority (MRA) is being hailed for its pivotal role in driving reforms that have transformed tax collection and strengthened government finances over the past 25 years.
Minister of Finance and Economic Affairs Simplex Chithyola-Banda made the commendation during the MRA’s silver jubilee celebrations at the Bingu International Convention Centre in Lilongwe.
According to Chithyola-Banda, the MRA now contributes more than 80 percent of government revenue, covering over 60 percent of the national budget.
This significant achievement is attributed to the tax body’s adoption of automation, wider use of digital platforms, and the broadening of the tax base.
These measures have improved efficiency, transparency, and compliance, enabling the government to fund essential services such as roads, schools, and hospitals.
“MRA has played a pivotal role in mobilising domestic resources since its establishment in 2000,” Chithyola-Banda said. “These taxes have made possible the roads we travel, the schools our children attend, and the hospitals that serve our people.”
The Minister added that the government’s domestic resource mobilisation strategy will further support MRA’s work, aligning with the MW2063 vision of building a self-reliant economy.
The MRA’s achievements over the past 25 years are a testament to its commitment to transforming Malawi’s tax collection landscape.
As the government continues to work towards building a self-reliant economy, the MRA’s role in mobilising domestic resources will remain crucial.
The celebrations mark an important milestone in the MRA’s history and underscore the importance of the tax body in driving Malawi’s economic development.
