By MANA
The Ministry of Agriculture, Irrigation and Water Development has launched the Digital Sanitary and Phytosanitary Information System (SPSIS), a new platform aimed at simplifying the importation and exportation of plants and animals by reducing delays and challenges associated with manual paperwork.
Speaking during the launch ceremony held at Capital Hotel in Lilongwe on Wednesday, Deputy Minister of Agriculture, Irrigation and Water Development, Thoko Tembo, said the system will transform the way traders, farmers and exporters access sanitary and phytosanitary services in the country.
Tembo said the manual handling of applications and documentation had for years created unnecessary delays and difficulties for farmers and traders seeking permits and certificates for imports and exports.
“With the introduction of the SPSIS platform, most of these challenges will now be addressed because the system allows users to submit applications and access services digitally,” said Tembo.
He added that the platform will improve efficiency in the movement of plants and animals across borders while enhancing trade facilitation and boosting confidence among exporters and importers.
Tembo further said the system is user-friendly and accessible, making it easier for farmers and traders in different parts of the country to use it without travelling long distances to process documents manually.
The Deputy Minister emphasised that the Government remains committed to ensuring the sustainability of the system, saying local experts have already been trained to manage and maintain it.
In his remarks, Southern African Trade Connectivity Project Manager, Hastings Ngoma, said the system is expected to significantly reduce the cost of doing business by cutting down on paperwork and physical processing of certificates.
Ngoma said the project has already trained personnel who will oversee the operation and maintenance of the platform to ensure its continued functionality.
He further noted that the digital platform will allow traders to access certificates and other services online regardless of their location, thereby improving convenience and efficiency in trade processes.
