Cables can reveal that the Hino 500 Series 1627 AT fire-fighting vehicle, for which the Reserve Bank of Malawi (RBM) reportedly paid a staggering K2.5 billion, had a declared export value of just US$354,969.555 in South Africa.
International trade records indicate that the fully specified fire-fighting vehicle was exported from South Africa to Malawi on 23 May 2025, under HS Code 87053000, with only one unit recorded in the shipment.
The declared value of US$354,969.555 is equivalent to roughly R5.5 million to R7 million, depending on the exchange rate used.
This means the K2.5 billion reportedly paid by the Reserve Bank for the fire truck was nearly four times higher than the vehicle’s declared export value, based on the available trade records and currency conversions.
The final price of a fire-fighting vehicle can vary significantly depending on its specifications, including the water-tank capacity, pump system, foam equipment, rescue tools and other specialised accessories.
However, the trade record reviewed by Cables specifically describes the exported vehicle as a Hino 500 Series 1627 AT fire-fighting vehicle, with a declared value of US$354,969.555 equipment with all the necessary equipment and accessories as required .
For comparison, a new Hino 500 Series chassis alone can cost between approximately R1.09 million and R2.24 million, before the addition of a specialised fire-fighting body, water tank, pump and other emergency equipment.
World Bank/WITS trade data separately shows that Malawi imported one fire-fighting vehicle from South Africa in 2024, valued at US$274,560.
However, this appears to be a different transaction from the 23 May 2025 shipment, which international trade records link to Malawi at a declared value of US$354,969.555.
According to the global import data reviewed by Cables under HS Code 87053000, only one unit of the Hino 500 Series 1627 AT fire-fighting vehicle was recorded in the shipment to Malawi.
The key question now is what explains the massive difference between the vehicle’s declared export value and the K2.5 billion reportedly paid by the Reserve Bank of Malawi.
The fire truck is currently stationed at Mzuzu city council and was handed over at a function which took place on 25 July 2025 and a ceremony which was attended by then Reserve Bank Governor.
Cables contacted the Reserve Bank of Malawi officials by email, a Mr. Banda and Mr. Ndege from the communication and procurement offices who are familiar with the matter to seeking clarification on the procurement , including the basis for the K2.5 billion price and whether the amount included additional costs such as freight, insurance, taxes, duties, specialised modifications or other procurement-related expenses.
By the time of publication, the Reserve Bank had not responded to Cables’ request for comment.
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