ENDING CORRUPTION: A NEW DAWN OF INTEGRITY
26.1 The Cost of Corruption
Corruption is a cancer that has long undermined Malawi’s governance, stifled
economic growth, and perpetuated poverty and inequality. Resources intended
for public services such as healthcare, education, and infrastructure are diverted
into the hands of a corrupt few, leaving the majority of Malawians to suffer the
consequences.
Aligned with MW2063’s Governance Enabler and the Economic Resilience Pillar,
a UTM-led government will prioritize the eradication of corruption through bold
reforms, enhanced accountability mechanisms, and strengthened institutions.
26.2 Current Challenges
Inept and hypocritical leadership, failing to drain the swamp of corruption, deeply
entrenched in its own web of deceit and mismanagement, enabling widespread
corruption, leaving hospitals without medicine, children without proper schools,
roads in disrepair, and communities trapped in poverty, all while dishing out
selective justice to protect allies and punish opponents.
- Weak Procurement Systems:
– Public contracts awarded based on political connections rather than merit,
leading to inflated costs and substandard outcomes. - Political Cronyism:
– High-ranking officials misuse their positions to favor allies, undermining trust
and public confidence. - Ineffectiveness of Anti-Corruption Institutions:
– The Anti-Corruption Bureau (ACB) is plagued by political interference,
insufficient resources, and delays in prosecuting high-profile cases. - Corruption in the Private Sector:
– Bribery and unethical practices distort fair competition, normalizing corruption
in business transactions. - Economic Impact:
– Corruption deters foreign investment, weakens infrastructure development, and
exacerbates poverty and inequality.
26.3 Target Milestones
- To significantly reduce Malawi Corruption Perceptions Index (CPI) as per
Transparency International rankings, from a score of 34 out of 100, as of February
2025, to 60 by 2030. Taking us from ranking 115 out of 180 countries, down to the
40’s out of 180 - By 2035: Eliminate political interference in anti-corruption institutions.
- By 2026: Fully digitize government procurement and financial reporting systems
to ensure transparency and traceability
26.4 UTM Pledges: A Comprehensive Anti-Corruption Agenda
26.4.1 Empowering the Anti-Corruption Bureau (ACB)
Alignment with MW2063: Strengthens Governance through autonomous and
effective anti-corruption systems.
- Full Autonomy: Guarantee independence for the ACB, enabling impartial
investigations and prosecutions. - Adequate Resources: Increase funding for modern investigative tools and expand
the bureau’s workforce. - Time-Bound Resolutions: Introduce frameworks ensuring timely investigations
and prosecutions of corruption cases, especially high-profile ones
26.4.2 Reforming Public Procurement
Alignment with MW2063: Advances Economic Resilience through transparent
systems.
- Open Bidding Processes: Mandate competitive and transparent bidding for public
contracts. - Digital Procurement Systems: Implement e-procurement platforms to eliminate
human interference and enhance traceability.
26.4.3 Strengthening the Judiciary
Alignment with MW2063: Promotes Human Capital Development through justice
reforms.
- Merit-Based Appointments: Ensure judges and magistrates are selected based
on qualifications and integrity. - Specialized Anti-Corruption Courts: Establish dedicated courts to fast-track
corruption cases and ensure accountability.
26.4.4 Citizen Engagement and Oversight
Alignment with MW2063: Empowers Governance by fostering civic accountability.
- Public Audits: Publish
government financial
reports and audits
regularly to promote
transparency. - Civic Education: Educate
citizens on their role in
monitoring government
activities and demanding
accountability.
26.4.5 Protecting Whistleblowers Alignment with MW2063:
Strengthens Governance and Transparency.
- Legal Safeguards: Enforce robust whistleblower protection laws to encourage reporting of corruption.
- Incentives: Offer rewards for information leading to successful prosecutions.
26.4.6 Reforming Campaign Financing
Alignment with MW2063: Promotes Good Governance in political systems.
- Transparent Funding: Mandate public disclosure of political party donations and
expenditures. - Strict Regulations: Penalize parties and candidates for violations in campaign
financing
26.5 UTM’s Vision: A New Era of Accountability
Economic Transformation:
Eliminating corruption will redirect public funds to essential services and
development projects, fostering economic growth and reducing inequality.
Restored Public Trust:
Strengthened institutions and transparent governance will rebuild trust in
government, promoting social cohesion and national pride.
Enhanced Global Standing:
A corruption-free Malawi will attract foreign investments and gain recognition as a
reliable and accountable partner on the global stage.
26.6 Estimated Investments and
Funding Mechanisms
Estimated Investment: $50 Million to combat
Corruption in the next 5 years
Proposed Funding Sources:
- National Budget Allocation: Dedicate 2% of the
budget to strengthen anti-corruption institutions and systems. - Revenue from Digitized Services: Use savings
and revenue generated from e-procurement
and reduced corruption leakages to reinvest in
oversight mechanisms. - International Partnerships: Secure funding
and technical support from organizations like
Transparency International and the World
Bank.
Conclusion
Corruption has long robbed Malawi of its potential, stagnating development
and undermining public confidence. Aligned with MW2063’s Governance and
Economic Resilience goals, UTM is committed to dismantling systemic corruption
and fostering a culture of integrity, accountability, and transparency.
Through bold reforms, empowered institutions, and engaged citizens, we will end
the stranglehold of corruption and pave the way for a Malawi that thrives on good
governance and equitable growth. Together, let us build a nation where public
resources serve the public good, justice prevails, and every citizen has an equal
chance to prosper.
