Malawi Customs Strengthened Against Wildlife Trafficking

Published: 01/05/2026
Customs Risk Management Illegal Wildlife Trade INAMA Project
The INAMA Project aims to enhance the capacity of Malawi Customs to combat illegal wildlife trade. Through diagnostic assessments, training implementation, and risk management workshops, the project assists Malawi Customs in building risk defenses. It strengthens cooperation with customs administrations of other countries to jointly address the global challenge of illegal wildlife trade, protect endangered species, maintain national security, and facilitate trade. The project ultimately contributes to a more secure and sustainable future by mitigating risks associated with wildlife trafficking.
Malawi Customs Strengthened Against Wildlife Trafficking

Imagine a world without effective customs risk management - smugglers would freely traffic endangered wildlife and their products across borders. Malawi, a country rich in biodiversity, faces growing challenges from illegal wildlife trade (IWT). To address this, the World Customs Organization (WCO) launched the INAMA program, specifically designed to enhance Malawi's customs enforcement capabilities against IWT.

INAMA Program: A Tailored Risk Management Solution

The INAMA program, funded by the German Development Agency (GIZ), follows a structured, customized approach implemented in two key phases:

Diagnostic Assessment: Evaluating Current Capabilities

In May 2019, INAMA dispatched an assessment team to conduct a comprehensive evaluation of the Malawi Revenue Authority's (MRA) risk management systems, with particular focus on combating IWT. The assessment examined:

  • Organizational Structure: Reviewing departments responsible for risk management, staffing levels, and professional competencies
  • Data Analysis Capacity: Assessing abilities to collect, analyze, and utilize trade data, intelligence, and enforcement experience
  • Risk Identification Mechanisms: Evaluating processes for detecting and assessing IWT risks
  • Response Measures: Reviewing effectiveness of current inspection, monitoring, and intelligence operations
  • Interagency Cooperation: Examining collaboration with other law enforcement agencies and international partners

Implementation Training: Building Practical Skills

Following the assessment, INAMA conducted specialized training in February 2020 to enhance risk management capabilities among MRA headquarters and port officials. The curriculum included:

  • Fundamental risk management principles and methodologies
  • Advanced risk analysis tools and techniques
  • Development of species-specific risk profiles
  • Creation of measurable risk indicators
  • Practical case studies and field exercises

Regional Knowledge Sharing

To foster international cooperation, INAMA organized a risk management workshop in Hanoi, Vietnam in March 2020. Representatives from Malawi, Nigeria, and Vietnam collaborated on:

  • Developing standardized risk profiles applicable across regions
  • Creating targeted profiles for specific species and trafficking methods
  • Establishing quantitative risk measurement systems
  • Enhancing information sharing mechanisms between customs administrations

Strategic Impact

The INAMA initiative represents more than capacity building - it serves as a strategic intervention with multiple benefits:

  • Biodiversity Protection: Safeguarding endangered species listed under CITES
  • National Security: Disrupting links between wildlife crime and organized networks
  • Trade Efficiency: Streamlining legitimate commerce through improved risk management
  • Institutional Development: Strengthening Malawi's customs administration

As part of WCO's global efforts against wildlife trafficking, the program contributes to building an international risk management network to protect endangered species and combat transnational environmental crime.

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