By Burnett Munthali
The Lilongwe City Council (LCC) has announced the introduction of an annual license fee for photographers operating within the city. According to a statement posted on the council’s official Facebook page, both photo studios and individual photographers will be required to comply with the new regulation starting this year.
Under the new guidelines, photo studios are expected to pay an annual fee of K190,000.00, while individual photographers will be charged K105,000.00 per year. The council’s decision aims to regulate the photography business in Lilongwe, ensuring that all operators are officially registered and licensed to provide professional services within the city limits.
The LCC has stated that the new licensing structure is part of its broader efforts to formalize small businesses, generate revenue, and create a more structured environment for local photographers. The statement emphasized that failure to comply with the licensing requirements could result in penalties or even the suspension of business operations.
Reactions to the announcement have been mixed, with some photographers expressing concern about the financial burden, particularly for freelancers and small-scale operators. However, others have welcomed the move, viewing it as a step towards creating a more professional industry where registered photographers can operate with official recognition and protection.
The Lilongwe City Council has urged all photographers and photo studio owners to visit their offices to complete the licensing process and ensure they are in compliance with the new regulations.
As the photography industry in Malawi continues to grow, this development marks a significant shift in how local businesses in the creative sector will operate within the city. It remains to be seen how the new fees will impact the photography community, but LCC’s efforts reflect the ongoing drive to formalize and regulate business activities in Lilongwe.
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