Tete, Mozambique – 22 October 2026,
Malawi and Mozambique today signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on Sanitary and Phytosanitary (SPS) Measures, marking a significant step towards smoother and safer agricultural trade between the two neighbouring countries.
The signing ceremony took place in Tete and was attended by senior government officials from both sides. Malawi was represented by Erica Maganga, Secretary for Agriculture, Irrigation and Water Development, while Mozambique was represented by Acubar Paulo Batista, Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Agriculture, Environment and Fisheries.
The MoU aims to facilitate safe agricultural trade, eliminate unjustified barriers, and protect public, animal and plant health in line with international standards. It establishes a framework for closer cooperation between the competent authorities of the two countries on issues such as joint pest risk assessment, harmonisation of certification procedures, information sharing, and joint training of SPS officers.
Speaking at the ceremony, Maganga said the agreement addresses practical challenges that have long affected agricultural trade, including differences in regulatory procedures, delays in certification and limited coordination between authorities.
“Today’s ceremony represents more than the signing of a document. It marks a shared commitment of the two Governments in addressing practical challenges affecting agricultural trade, strengthening the protection of human, animal and plant health, and creating a more predictable and efficient environment for cross-border trade,” she said.
She highlighted priority areas for immediate action, including the development of a joint pest risk assessment protocol, the review and harmonisation of SPS certification procedures, and joint training of border officers alongside awareness programmes for traders.
Batista described the MoU as a concrete expression of the two countries’ desire to strengthen mutual trust and improve coordination.
“The signing of this Memorandum marks the beginning of a decisive stage: the transformation of the commitments assumed today into concrete results for our countries and for our populations,” he said. He emphasised that success would depend on coordinated work, timely information sharing and the efficient application of SPS requirements.
The agreement falls under the Southern Africa Trade and Connectivity Project (SATCP), financed by the World Bank and implemented with support from the Ministries of Transport in both countries. The project seeks to reduce trade costs and improve the movement of goods along key corridors such as Beira and Nacala, which link Malawi to regional and international markets through Mozambican ports.
Officials noted that the MoU is consistent with broader regional commitments under the Southern African Development Community (SADC), the Tripartite Free Trade Area, the African Continental Free Trade Area, and the World Trade Organization’s SPS Agreement.
Both governments stressed that the real measure of success would be tangible benefits for farmers, traders, transporters and businesses operating across the borders, particularly small-scale producers who depend on reliable market access for their livelihoods and food security.
The ceremony was also attended by provincial authorities from Tete, including the Governor and the Secretary of State, as well as technical teams and partners who contributed to the development of the agreement.
