Malawi Minister: 40% Malawi MDAs ATI Act Compliance Rate

• Malawi's Minister of Information and Communications Technology, Shadric Namalomba, announced that only 40% of government ministries, departments, and agencies (MDAs) comply with the Access to Information (ATI) Act.
• This low compliance rate persists six years after the ATI Act became operational in Malawi.
• The announcement was made recently in Lilongwe during the fourth Annual Media and Access to Information Conference (Amatic) 2026.
• The figure highlights significant challenges in ensuring transparency and public access to information from government bodies.

His remarks underscore a significant gap in the adherence to transparency mandates designed to empower citizens and foster good governance.

Malawi's Minister of Information and Communications Technology, Shadric Namalomba, recently disclosed that only 40 percent of government ministries, departments, and agencies (MDAs) are currently in compliance with the nation's Access to Information (ATI) Act. This announcement comes six years after the pivotal legislation became operational, highlighting persistent challenges in its full implementation across the public sector.

The Minister shared these figures during the fourth Annual Media and Access to Information Conference (Amatic) 2026, an event held in Lilongwe. His remarks underscore a significant gap in the adherence to transparency mandates designed to empower citizens and foster good governance.

The Malawi Access to Information Act, a cornerstone of democratic accountability, mandates that public bodies provide citizens with access to government-held information. Its operationalization six years ago was hailed as a crucial step towards enhancing transparency and combating corruption within the country. However, the reported 40% compliance rate suggests that a majority of MDAs have yet to fully integrate the Act's requirements into their operational procedures.

Achieving full compliance with the ATI Act typically involves establishing clear protocols for receiving and responding to information requests, proactively publishing certain categories of public data, and training staff on the legal obligations. The current status, as articulated by Minister Namalomba, indicates that many government entities are still falling short on these fundamental aspects, potentially hindering public access to vital information and undermining the spirit of the legislation.

The low compliance rate among Malawi MDAs with the ATI Act has direct and significant implications for individuals and organizations seeking to exercise their right to information. When a substantial portion of government bodies are not adhering to the law, citizens, journalists, and civil society groups may face undue delays, denials, or difficulties in obtaining public records and data. This can impede oversight functions, limit public participation in governance, and create an environment where accountability is harder to enforce.

For lawyers and compliance officers in Malawi, this landscape presents a critical area of focus. The widespread non-compliance suggests that clients attempting to access information from government entities may encounter barriers, necessitating legal guidance on navigating these challenges. Furthermore, there is a clear opportunity for legal professionals to assist MDAs in understanding and fulfilling their statutory obligations under the Malawi Access to Information Act, thereby improving overall Malawi MDA information access.

The setting for Minister Namalomba's announcement, the Amatic 2026 conference in Lilongwe, serves as a platform for discussing these challenges and strategizing future improvements. Such gatherings are instrumental in bringing together stakeholders to assess progress, identify bottlenecks, and foster collaborative solutions aimed at strengthening information access rights. The public acknowledgment of the 40% ATI Act compliance status Malawi provides a clear benchmark against which future efforts can be measured.

While the figure highlights a significant hurdle, the very act of reporting it publicly by a senior government official like Shadric Namalomba indicates an awareness of the issue and a potential impetus for concerted action. The ongoing dialogue initiated at events like Amatic 2026 Lilongwe will be crucial in driving the necessary reforms and ensuring that the Malawi Access to Information Act eventually achieves its intended impact across all government operations.

Lawyers and compliance officers in Malawi should note the significant non-compliance rate among MDAs with the ATI Act, which may impact information requests and necessitate advising clients on strategies to navigate potential access barriers or assisting MDAs in achieving full compliance.

Source: Original reporting via Nation Online