Malawi Launches Open Government Week
Malawi is joining this sixth global annual OGP celebration under the theme "Promoting Transparency, Accountability, and Citizen Engagement."
LILONGWE, Malawi — In a step toward ambitious reforms, Malawi on Monday joined the rest of the world in commemorating Open Government Week from May 27-31 for the first time, writes Martin Kamlaike.
Launching the event at BICC in Lilongwe, guest of honor Monica Chang'anamuno, Minister of Mining, urged stakeholders, partners and the public to seize the opportunity presented by open government initiatives.
"Through open government, Malawi can strengthen its public institutions, enhance service delivery, combat corruption, and empower citizens to participate in decision-making processes that affect their lives," Chang'anamuno said.
"This is a very critical initiative because it promotes transparency, accountability, and citizen engagement," she added.
"It's not just the responsibility of government but everyone's responsibility."
The minister said the government is on track to implement all key areas in the two-year National Action Plan launched by President Lazarus Chakwera in 2023. She encouraged civil society to voice views promoting trust between government and citizens.
However, Dr. Janet Banda, Deputy Secretary to the President and Cabinet who chairs the Presidential Delivery Unit, noted areas for improvement despite success so far.
Banda said Malawi's current two-year plan needs extending to four years to match the global OGP requirement and display meaningful achievements over a longer period.
"From the time you are creating that NAP, co-creation is very important. It's also important on civil society's part to mainstream NAP activities in their own programs to ensure financing," she said.
CONGOMA Executive Director Ronald Mtonga acknowledged progress in implementing the NAP, expressing hope all key areas would be addressed by the 2025 end date.
He pledged civil society would ensure institutions maintain high standards.
President Chakwera launched the 2023-2025 OGP National Action Plan last year, comprehensively targeting anti-corruption, digital governance and an open parliament among other areas.
Malawi is joining this sixth global annual OGP celebration under the theme "Promoting Transparency, Accountability, and Citizen Engagement."