Malawi has taken a significant step towards maximising the benefits of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) by convening a two-day Validation Workshop to review and endorse the Draft Trade in Services Report. The workshop, held from 12–13 August 2025, is a milestone in aligning Malawi’s trade in services strategy with AfCFTA commitments and the country’s long-term economic growth ambitions. Commissioned by the Ministry of Trade and Industry (MoTI) with the support of the Team Europe Technical Assistance Facility (EU TAF) implemented by GIZ, the research was conducted by the ESAMI–Trade Policy Training Centre in Africa (trapca), led by Head of Centre, Dr. Caiphas Chekwoti, who also facilitated the validation process. The comprehensive study focuses on five priority service sectors – transportation, communication, business services, tourism, and finance – selected for their potential to drive competitiveness, market access, and sustainable economic development under AfCFTA.
The report assesses the current state and future potential of each sector, identifying opportunities to enhance their role in Malawi’s economy while addressing key challenges. It examines regulatory frameworks, market trends, investment flows, and macro-economic linkages, as well as constraints such as infrastructure gaps, skills shortages, and market access barriers. The study also proposes targeted strategies and policy measures to improve sector performance, foster innovation, and strengthen cross-border service delivery.
The validation workshop brought together a diverse range of stakeholders, including government ministries, regulatory bodies, private sector representatives, industry associations, development partners, civil society, and academia. Participants engaged in plenary presentations, in-depth discussions, and breakout sessions to review sectoral diagnostics and refine policy recommendations. This participatory approach ensured that the final report reflects the realities, priorities, and aspirations of all relevant actors.
On the first day of the workshop, trapca presented the draft report to delegates. The presentation was followed by group discussions, focusing on the analysis of sectoral performance and competitiveness. The second day centred on the presentation and discussion of consolidated comments and recommendations, culminating in the validation of the report.
The validated Trade in Services Report will serve as a strategic roadmap for Malawi’s trade in services liberalisation, policy reform, and investment promotion. It provides actionable recommendations to address barriers, capitalise on emerging opportunities, and build the capacity of domestic service providers to compete in the AfCFTA market. By strengthening the enabling environment for services trade, Malawi is better positioned to contribute to and benefit from the largest free trade area in the world.
