By Rahim Abdul
Renowned lawyer Alexious Kamangila has challenged authorities to rethink Malawi’s tax strategy, warning that introducing new taxes could worsen the financial strain already facing households and businesses across the country.
Kamangila argues that instead of piling fresh levies on citizens, government should concentrate on tightening revenue collection systems and maximizing funds that are already legally due.
He points to inefficiencies within the Malawi Revenue Authority (MRA), saying the institution has the potential to generate sufficient public revenue if loopholes are sealed and compliance is strengthened.
According to the legal expert, billions of kwacha are lost each year through tax evasion, weak enforcement and gaps in administration money that could otherwise fund essential public services.
He stresses that widening the existing tax base would be more sustainable than targeting the same compliant taxpayers who already carry the bulk of the burden.
Kamangila believes that enhancing monitoring systems and curbing illicit financial practices would restore confidence in the tax system while protecting citizens’ livelihoods.
“Maximizing what is currently due to government can stabilize the economy without suffocating struggling families,” he maintains.
Backing his remarks, governance expert George Chaima has raised concerns about deliberate weaknesses within the system.
Dr. Chaima alleges that some loopholes in revenue administration were intentionally created to enable corrupt practices and unlawful sharing of tax proceeds.
He warns that without confronting corruption within revenue structures, any new taxes would simply feed inefficiencies rather than strengthen the economy.
The experts’ remarks come at a time when Malawians are increasingly vocal about the rising cost of living and the pressure of existing taxes.
Together, Kamangila and Chaima send a strong message, Malawi’s fiscal future depends not on introducing new taxes, but on transparency, accountability and smarter management of the resources already within reach.
