New Taxes Deepening Hardship for Malawians – HRDC
Published on January 30, 2026 at 4:00 PM by Edgar Naitha
The Human Rights Defenders Coalition (HRDC) has expressed concern over what it describes as punitive taxes recently introduced by the government, warning that they are worsening the economic hardships faced by Malawians.
Briefing journalists in Lilongwe today, HRDC Chairperson Michael Kaiyatsa said the tax measures are being implemented at a time when households are already struggling with high fuel prices, rising electricity tariffs, and the escalating cost of basic goods.
Kaiyatsa said the new taxes have placed an additional burden on low- and middle-income earners, further reducing their disposable income.
He noted that small-scale traders and informal businesses are among the hardest hit, despite their critical role in sustaining the economy.
Kaiyatsa also criticised the implementation of the Electronic Invoicing System (EIS), saying it places excessive compliance costs on small businesses.
He said many traders lack the financial resources and technical capacity required to meet the new tax demands.
While acknowledging the need to improve tax collection, Kaiyatsa stressed that tax reforms must be fair, balanced, and sensitive to the economic realities of ordinary citizens.
