BLANTYRE-(MaraviPost)-The National Advocacy Platform (NAP) and the Centre for Social Accountability and Transparency (CSAT) have marked International Anti-Corruption Day 2025 with a strong appeal for Malawi to translate political commitments into concrete action.

In a statement signed by NAP Chairperson Benedicto Kondowe and CSAT Executive Director Willy Kambwandira, the two organisations warned that corruption remains one of the country’s most severe obstacles to development and urged leaders to match their words with decisive steps that restore public trust.

This year’s commemorations are being observed under the theme “uniting with youth against corruption: shaping tomorrow’s integrity.”

According to NAP and CSAT, the theme reflects a growing demand from young Malawians for honesty, fairness and accountability values the organisations say must shape the country’s future governance systems.

The statement notes that corruption continues to divert public resources, undermine service delivery and weaken democratic institutions.

While acknowledging recent commitments from national leaders, including President Professor Arthur Peter Mutharika’s renewed zero tolerance declaration and efforts to revive long stalled cases, NAP and CSAT stress that Malawi can no longer rely on promises alone.

The organisations highlight the need for decisive follow-through on the revived cases, calling for credible investigations and timely, non-selective prosecutions.

They argue that no individual or institution should enjoy protection from accountability and insist that the Anti-Corruption Bureau (ACB) must operate without interference if the country is to make meaningful progress.

NAP and CSAT further emphasise that strengthening the ACB requires more than public statements. They call for full financial independence for the bureau, recruitment of specialised staff and legislative reforms that close loopholes enabling procurement fraud, illicit enrichment, political financing abuses and influence peddling.

They caution that parliament must not undermine anti-corruption efforts, and should exercise its oversight role in good faith, free from partisan motivations.

The statement places particular focus on the role of young people, describing them as essential drivers of a new culture of integrity. NAP and CSAT argue that youth must be empowered to demand transparency, challenge impunity and actively participate in accountability initiatives within their communities and workplaces.

The two organisations urge the ACB to pursue both revived and new cases without fear or favour. They appeal to the executive to respect and protect institutional independence and to the ministry of justice to accelerate reforms that align with global best practices.

They also encourage parliament to uphold accountability rather than shield wrongdoing and call on the judiciary to prioritise corruption cases to ensure timely resolution.

NAP and CSAT conclude by describing corruption as a national emergency that demands strong institutions and unwavering commitment. They stress that Malawi’s anti-corruption promises must translate into a lived reality for citizens, especially the youth who will inherit the consequences of today’s decisions.

The organisations reaffirm their readiness to work with all institutions and communities to support a national shift towards accountability and integrity.

The Maravi Post