Thousands of Malawi businesses close in protest over tax changes

Thousands of Malawian business owners protested new tax changes, specifically the electronic invoicing system (EIS) introduced by the Malawi Revenue Authority, across Blantyre, Lilongwe, Zomba, and Mzuzu this week. The demonstrations, which included business closures and marches, were triggered by concerns that the new tax regime would cripple livelihoods due to foreign currency shortages and import/export difficulties. The protests resulted in the Malawi Revenue Authority postponing the rollout of the EIS from this week until April. This unrest occurs amidst broader economic challenges in Malawi, including aid cuts, foreign currency shortages, and rising costs of necessities, leading to previous protests over food and fuel prices. Business owners claim the new system, coupled with existing economic pressures, will make their goods more expensive than those in neighboring countries.

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