Paving the Way for Inclusive Trade: Inception Meeting on the Non Tarriff Barriers project and Public–Private Dialogue launches in Mchinji
Paving the Way for Inclusive Trade: Inception Meeting on the Non Tarriff Barriers project and Public–Private Dialogue launches in Mchinji
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Today, March 16th 2026 , marks a pivotal step forward for regional integration as COMFWB convened a Public–Private Dialogue (PPD) to combat Non-Tariff Barriers at the Mchinji border, the vital link between Malawi and Zambia. The activity is undertaken in partnership with COMESA and AGRA is promoting access to markets for youth by addressing Non-Tariff Barriers to boost Intra-COMESA Agri-Food Trade.
This essential gathering at Mchinji brought together Government representatives , COMFWB Officials, Cross-Border Associations, and women and youth traders from Malawi and Zambia . The primary goal was to ensure every voice is heard, collecting vital opinions and advice from those on the front lines of trade to address NTBs .
During the official opening ceremony , Mr. Chikakula Miti , CEO -COMFWB noted that removing non tariff barriers is not just a technical exercise but it is a strategic step towards African prosperity as when trade flows smoothly across boarders farmers gain access to large markets.
This project addresses the high costs of cross-border trade in Sub-Saharan Africa. By focusing on the Malawi–Zambia–Zimbabwe–Mozambique corridors, we are dismantling the Non-Tariff Barriers (NTBs) that disproportionately affect small-scale traders. Today’s dialogue in Mchinji focused on creating a roadmap to reduce customs complexities, harmonize sanitary standards, and foster a more predictable environment for agri-food trade.
The heart of this initiative lies in empowering 2,000 young women and youth-led businesses. Through the promotion of the Simplified Trade Regime (STR), the establishment of digital NTB reporting, and the advocacy for gender-responsive border infrastructure, we are turning challenges into opportunities.
As we move forward from today's successful meeting, our focus remains on increasing the volume of trade for essential commodities like maize, rice, and soya beans, ensuring that trade truly works for everyone in the COMESA region
Paving the Way for Inclusive Trade: Inception Meeting on the Non Tarriff Barriers project and Public–Private Dialogue launches in Mchinji
--------------------
Today, March 16th 2026 , marks a pivotal step forward for regional integration as COMFWB convened a Public–Private Dialogue (PPD) to combat Non-Tariff Barriers at the Mchinji border, the vital link between Malawi and Zambia. The activity is undertaken in partnership with COMESA and AGRA is promoting access to markets for youth by addressing Non-Tariff Barriers to boost Intra-COMESA Agri-Food Trade.
This essential gathering at Mchinji brought together Government representatives , COMFWB Officials, Cross-Border Associations, and women and youth traders from Malawi and Zambia . The primary goal was to ensure every voice is heard, collecting vital opinions and advice from those on the front lines of trade to address NTBs .
During the official opening ceremony , Mr. Chikakula Miti , CEO -COMFWB noted that removing non tariff barriers is not just a technical exercise but it is a strategic step towards African prosperity as when trade flows smoothly across boarders farmers gain access to large markets.
This project addresses the high costs of cross-border trade in Sub-Saharan Africa. By focusing on the Malawi–Zambia–Zimbabwe–Mozambique corridors, we are dismantling the Non-Tariff Barriers (NTBs) that disproportionately affect small-scale traders. Today’s dialogue in Mchinji focused on creating a roadmap to reduce customs complexities, harmonize sanitary standards, and foster a more predictable environment for agri-food trade.
The heart of this initiative lies in empowering 2,000 young women and youth-led businesses. Through the promotion of the Simplified Trade Regime (STR), the establishment of digital NTB reporting, and the advocacy for gender-responsive border infrastructure, we are turning challenges into opportunities.
As we move forward from today's successful meeting, our focus remains on increasing the volume of trade for essential commodities like maize, rice, and soya beans, ensuring that trade truly works for everyone in the COMESA region
