The Malawi Revenue Authority (MRA) has urged business journalists in the country to report tax matters accurately and responsibly to help promote voluntary tax compliance and support national development.
Speaking on Monday during the opening of a media training programme for the Association of Business Journalists (ABJ) in Mangochi, MRA Commissioner General, Felix Tambulasi, said the media remains a strategic partner in shaping public understanding of taxation.
He said inaccurate reporting on tax policies and systems could negatively affect taxpayers, businesses and government revenue collection.
“We do not expect you to become tax specialists. However, we do expect and trust you to be accurate and responsible in your reporting,” he said.
The Commissioner General said the training was aimed at equipping journalists with a better understanding of tax concepts, policies and procedures to enable them to communicate effectively with the public.
Among key areas being covered during the training are the newly introduced Electronic Invoicing System (EIS), new tax measures for the 2026/2027 fiscal year and Rental Income Tax compliance.
MRA rolled out the EIS on 1 May this year as part of efforts to modernise tax administration and improve compliance.
Tambulasi further said the authority is also intensifying enforcement of Rental Income Tax and emphasised the need for the media to provide clear and factual information on such developments.
He disclosed that government has set a domestic revenue target of K6.2 trillion this year to finance public services such as roads, hospitals and schools.
“Achieving this target cannot rely on enforcement alone. It requires understanding, trust and cooperation and the media plays a central role in building that trust,” said Tambulasi.
The Commissioner General commended journalists and media houses for their support following a recent press briefing on the implementation of EIS, saying accurate reporting contributes to improved compliance.
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