Malawi’s construction sector is set for a major transformation following the rollout of new 2026 directives by the Construction Industry Regulatory Authority (CIRA), designed to tighten compliance, strengthen local capacity, and modernise how projects are delivered across the country.
CIRA Chief Executive Officer Gerald Khonje said the authority is repositioning itself to balance firm regulation with industry development.
“We have clearly defined our role not only as a regulator, but also as a catalyst for growth and promotion of the construction industry,” Khonje said, noting that only legitimate and capable firms will be allowed to operate.
He said CIRA has simplified and automated licensing processes to make compliance easier while protecting quality. “It used to take several months for companies to receive certificates. Today, firms can obtain them from their offices, as long as they meet the requirements,” Khonje said, adding that the reforms create an enabling environment for credible industry players.
Central to the 2026 agenda is the Construction Industry Development Program, which will embed capacity building in all major projects.
Khonje said stakeholders are now required to integrate training, mentorship, and skills transfer into project designs to ensure sustainable local expertise remains after project completion.
The new framework introduces non-negotiable compliance measures across the construction value chain, including mandatory registration and licensing, strict adherence to technical standards, and compulsory use of the Malawi Infrastructure Delivery Management Standards from project conception to close-out.
Contractors, consultants, suppliers, and clients will also be required to apply construction cost indices, submit to technical audits, and engage digitally for licensing, project registration, levy payments, and compliance reporting, with penalties awaiting those who fail to comply.
Khonje said CIRA will enforce the directives firmly and consistently, warning that non-compliance will attract sanctions, stop orders, or licence cancellations.
“Compliance is a legal obligation,” he said, “and it is the foundation for safe, durable, and value-for-money infrastructure in Malawi.”
