Malawi makes progress on Access to Information Law bill

WINDHOEK, Namibia – According to numerous media sources, the Malawi government has stated to be almost through with the Access to Information (ATI) bill preparation.

Last Friday, the Malawi Minister of Information, Tourism and Culture, Kondwani Nankhuma, told the Malawi News Agency that the government has seen through 90 percent of the processes leading to the enactment of the ATI policy. According to the Malawi24 newspaper, the minister stated that the process is at advanced stage and expected to be completed in few months coming.

MISA Malawi chapter has been one of the groups leading the campaign for the ATI bill.

The official aim of the bill is to define the scope of public information the public has the right to access, promote transparency and accountability of public officers and to establish the Public Information Commission and define its functions.

Malawi’s ATI bill draft is based on a Model Law on ATI for Africa that is developed to assist countries in the adoption of ATI Laws that are in line with international principles and standards.