The Malawi Revenue Authority (MRA) has cancelled a tender for the provision of security services that was expected to be awarded to three private firms.
The cancelled tender involved Masters Security Services, Iringa Security Services and Kamu Guard Services, following public criticism over the proposed awards.
In a letter addressed to Masters Security Services signed by the authority’s Commissioner General Felix Tambulasi, MRA informed the company of the cancellation of the procurement process, but did not specify reasons behind.
“Please be informed that the authority, acting through its Internal Procurement and Disposal of Assets Committee (IPDC) has resolved to cancel the above-mentioned procurement process,” reads the letter.
The letter further says the authority will restart the procurement process and the tender will be re-advertised.
The Human Rights Defenders Coalition (HRDC) which had opposed the tender, welcomed the cancellation but raised concerns about governance failures.
HRDC chairperson Michael Kaiyatsa told Nthanda Times that allowing the tender to progress in the first place reflected systemic failure to manage conflicts of interest in public procurement.
“Such failures erode public trust and reinforce perceptions of elite capture of state institutions. However, this decision comes only after sustained public pressure and raises serious questions about judgment, integrity and adherence to basic governance standards,” Kaiyatsa said.
Kaiyatsa added that public institutions should not be praised for reversing decisions that should have been prevented through due diligence.
According to Kaiyatsa, MRA’s credibility depends on independence from political influence and strict compliance with procurement laws.
“This incident must serve as a warning. Malawi deserves public institutions that act in the public interest,” said Kaiyatsa.
MRA has not issued a separate public statement explaining the decision or responding to concerns raised about the tender process.