Southern African Trade and Connectivity Project (Malawi)
The Government of Malawi, in collaboration with the International Organization for Migration (IOM) and the World Bank, today celebrated a significant milestone in modernizing border management with the official handover of the Migration Information and Data Analysis System (MIDAS) Mobile Border Management Truck. The ceremony, held in Lilongwe, was presided over by Honourable Ezekiel Ching’oma, Minister of Homeland Security, marking a pivotal step toward enhancing national security, facilitating trade, and aligning with Malawi 2063’s vision for a prosperous nation.
The MIDAS Mobile Border Truck, funded under the Southern Africa Trade and Connectivity Project (SATCP), brings cutting-edge digital border management to remote and temporary crossing points. Equipped with advanced infrastructure, the truck enables real-time data collection, biometric verification, and integration with international databases like INTERPOL, ensuring no border is left unsecured. “This facility is not just a vehicle; it’s a tool to build a Malawi open to opportunity but closed to exploitation,” said Minister Ching’oma, echoing President Dr. Lazarus McCarthy Chakwera’s vision for secure and inclusive borders.
Acting Director General of the Department of Immigration and Citizenship Services, Macloud Anamchuma Kalindang’oma, highlighted the truck’s role in extending MIDAS to areas lacking fixed infrastructure. “With MIDAS already operational at ten border posts and four regional hubs, including Kamuzu and Chileka International Airports, this mobile unit adds flexibility to our operations, especially during emergencies or high-traffic periods,” he noted. The Department has trained 50 officers in travel document examination and fraud detection to ensure effective use of the truck, with more training planned.
IOM Chief of Mission Nomagugu Ncube emphasized the truck’s significance in Malawi’s migration governance. “The MIDAS Truck ensures no border is left behind, supporting safe, orderly, and regular cross-border movement while aligning with regional frameworks like the African Union’s Agenda 2063,” she said. The truck complements initiatives like the Border Pass Project, enhancing trusted traveler systems and regional integration.
The handover reflects a whole-of-government approach, with the Ministry of Transport and Public Works providing critical oversight for the SATCP. The World Bank’s financial support has been instrumental in scaling MIDAS across Malawi, with seven of 16 planned border posts already computerized.
This milestone underscores Malawi’s commitment to leveraging technology for secure borders and economic growth. As Minister Ching’oma affirmed, “We are building a Malawi that protects its people while engaging the world.” The MIDAS Mobile Border Management Truck is set to strengthen data-driven decision-making, combat transnational crime, and promote legitimate trade and travel, paving the way for a more connected and secure Malawi.
