The Malawi Revenue Authority (MRA) has waived duty tax on all assistive technologies imported into Malawi. The announcement was made by MRA's Head of Corporate Affairs, Wilma Chalulu.
The waiver follows a declaration by the Minister of Finance, Economic Planning & Decentralisation, Joseph Mwanamvekha, in the 2026/27 budget statement in February. The declaration by the minister came after massive advocacy by Organizations of Persons with Disabilities (OPDs) in January this year.
The move aligns with Malawi’s obligations under the UNCRPD, the African Disability Protocol - ADP and the Persons with Disabilities Act No. 4 of 2024. Section 22 of the PWD Act provides for access to assistive devices and technologies to support independent living and participation.
Disability leaders have welcomed the decision but are urging government to act fast. “All that remains now is translating these policies on paper into reality,” said Sekersni Kufakwina of Malawi National Association of the Deaf (MANAD).
Disability Rights Advocate & Specialist, George Chiusiwa added: “Such administrative, policy or legislative proclamations are nothing without proactively pushing for effective operationalisation by persons with disabilities and their representative organisations.”
Chiusiwa further says, "access to assistive technology is at the heart of the enjoyment of all rights and freedoms of persons with disabilities as assistive devices facilitate their functioning and mobility to ensure effective participation in public affairs."
Assistive technology is a fundamental human rights and development issue for persons with disabilities.
The decision by Government through MRA is a progressive milestone in effective promotion and realisation of the rights of this marginalised and vulnerable section of the Malawi population towards inclusive development as stipulated by the Malawi 2063. Government should be commended for the effort in a bid to meeting its obligations on provision of assistive devices to persons with disabilities in the country.
We just hope that the operationalisation and implementation of such a disability responsive taxation directive will genuinely benefit this social growth.
Under the CRPD and ADP, the definition is much wider to include systems, services, software and other devices.
Failure to raise awareness may lead to denials of the tax waiver out of ignorance and not by design.
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