Chancellor College based economist, Professor Ben Kalua, has asked government to put in place deliberate measures to improve the quality and efficiency of exports in order to fully benefit from the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) agreement.

Professor Kalua was commenting on a development that Africa becomes a single market effective July 1 this year under the AfCFTA agreement.

This means that all African countries will be trading freely without any levy imposed on foreign goods.

Speaking to YFM Online, Professor Kalua said Malawi stands a chance to benefit as it will be trading with other developing countries but however there is need to improve on the quality and efficiency of products.

“This will enhance and promote trade growth in the country, because Malawi will be trading with other developing countries, so it is a double win deal,” he explained.

Professor Kalua added: “This however can only be effective if the country can work on improving the quality and efficiency of the commodities that will be exported.”

And on its side, government through the ministry of trade and industry said they have outlined plans to ensure that the country benefits from the agreement.

The ministry’s spokesperson, Mayeso Msokera, said they will intensify the buy Malawi strategy and value addiction aspect among others.

It is anticipated that AfCFTA will boost intra-Africa trade by 52.3% by 2022 and that Malawi will lose about K8 billion annually due to revenue loss.