MRA HONOURS COMPLIANT TAXPAYERS.

As part of its Silver Jubilee celebrations, the Malawi Revenue Authority (MRA) has recognized and honoured the country’s most compliant and high-performing taxpayers during the inaugural Taxpayer Appreciation Day.

The awards ceremony took place during a cocktail reception at Sunbird Capital Hotel on Friday 1^st August 2025, following the official launch of the initiative earlier in the day at the Bingu International Convention Centre (BICC).

Speaking during the event, MRA Commissioner General Daniel Daka said the Taxpayer Appreciation Awards were aimed at recognizing and celebrating taxpayers who demonstrate high levels of compliance and commitment.

“Without your contributions, our public services would not function. I would like to extend my appreciation to all businesses in the country some of whom the Government has recognized and decorated this morning for their continued support over years. Without you, we would not have been celebrating here tonight,” Daka said.

MRA Board Chair Vizenge Kumwenda said MRA had evolved into a cornerstone of Malawi’s economic pillar by collecting revenue for infrastructure development and immensely contributing to the country overall socio-economic growth and stability

“Tonight, we gather not only to honour our achievements but also to recognize the tireless efforts of everyone involved, members of staff, partners, stakeholders and taxpayers, whose contributions have propelled MRA to the pinnacle where we stand today,” he said.

Principal Secretary in the Ministry of Finance responsible for Administration Hetherwick Njati said the Government would not have been able to finance development projects without the support of taxpayers.

“The taxes you have been paying have put this country where it is today. I, therefore, encourage you to continue settling your tax liabilities voluntarily. It is my wish that the partnership that exists between the business community and the Government should continue to foster an enabling environment where innovation, investment and growth should flourish,” Njati said.

The award recipients were selected based on key criteria, including: timely tax registration, regular and on-time payment of taxes, timely filing of tax returns, good record keeping, proactive reporting of changes in income and the quantum of taxes paid.

These indicators reflect the highest levels of tax discipline and accountability among businesses and organizations across different sectors and regions.

Among the top honorees was the National Oil Company of Malawi (NOCMA), which emerged as the overall best taxpayer. Other major awardees included Standard Bank Malawi, Illovo Sugar Malawi, Limbe Leaf Tobacco, Airtel Malawi Limited, British American Tobacco (BAT) Malawi, and the Ministry of Education, among many others. Full list available on: http://bit.ly/4osnfT0

Awards were presented across multiple categories including Large, Medium, and Small Taxpayer Offices (LTO, MTO, STO), Customs & Excise, exporters and importers, district level (Domestic Taxes), Government and Non-Governmental Institutions, clearing Agencies, accounting firms and media houses

Notable winners under media included Malawi Broadcasting Corporation (MBC), The Nation and Nation Publications Limited Online for their role in educating the public and promoting a tax-compliant culture.

The Taxpayer Appreciation Day will be an annual event, designed to strengthen the relationship between the Authority and the taxpayers, while promoting a positive tax-paying culture nationwide.

BY WADZA OTOMANI