The Malawi Communications Regulatory Authority (MACRA) is developing a digital Postal Regulatory Compliance System aimed at improving oversight, efficiency and service delivery in the courier sector as the country seeks to strengthen e-commerce and digital trade.
The announcement was made during a courtesy visit by the MACRA board, led by chairperson Counsel Chancy Gondwe and MACRA's director general Mayamiko Nkoloma, to DHL Malawi in Lilongwe.
The visit provided an opportunity for the board to assess how couriers support Malawi's digital economy and how they are facilitating business operations, trade and e-commerce services.
During the meeting, DHL country operations manager Archiford Zhuwanginyu raised concerns over the growing number of illegal courier operators, saying unlicensed players were undermining the sector and affecting legitimate businesses.
MACRA’s acting director of postal services Burnet Namacha responded that courier services are regulated under the Communications Act of 2016 and warned that operators found conducting business without the required licences and approvals would face legal action.
Namacha said MACRA is strengthening regulatory mechanisms and is currently developing a Digital Postal Regulatory Compliance System to improve monitoring and compliance within the sector.
The development of the compliance system comes as Malawi continues to expand its digital economy, with regulators and industry players seeking to create an enabling environment for online trade and modern postal and courier services.
Also speaking at the engagement, Nkoloma said the communications sector remains a key enabler of the country's digital ecosystem.
“The sector provides the digital infrastructure and connectivity required for businesses to operate efficiently in an increasingly interconnected world,” he said.
Gondwe added: “Reliable connectivity enables businesses such as DHL to coordinate operations, track shipments in real time, communicate with customers, and facilitate international trade.”
Zhuwanginyu also emphasised the need for increased adoption of technology and automation by the sector, saying digital solutions have the potential to transform courier services through improved efficiency, tracking and customer experience.
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