The Anti-Corruption Bureau (ACB) is a government department in Malawi that was established in 1997, with the mission of spearheading the fight against corruption through prevention, education, and law enforcement.[1] It aims at combating corruption in all its forms, and to promote integrity and good governance in Malawi.[2][1]
It was established during the presidency of Bakili Muluzi, who was a key figure in fighting against corruption in Malawi.[2]
History
Origin and establishment
The ACB was established in response to the need to combat corruption in Malawi, which was seen as a major obstacle to the country's development. The bureau was set up as an independent body, with the power to investigate and prosecute corruption cases. [2][3][4]
Achievements
The ACB has achieved several successes in its fight against corruption, including the prosecution of high-profile cases and the recovery of stolen assets.[5] The bureau established initiatives aimed at preventing corruption, such as the National Anti-Corruption Strategy and the Anti-Corruption Awareness Program.[6]
In 2022 the Lands Minister Kezzie Msukwa was arrested by the Anti-Corruption Bureau over a land deal. Msukwa applied for a judicial review and the High Court Judge Zione Ntaba set aside the arrest, but she did not grant the review. Her decision created some debate and the Malawi Law Society issued a statement which was interpreted at a rebuke of Ntaba's action. The law society argued that if there was no review then an arrest could not be set aside.[7]
In 2025 the ACB partnered with the United Nations Development Programme to work on an app to assist with anti-corruption. The app will allow the anonymous reporting of suspected cases.[8] The app was launched at the end of August by the acting general secretary of the ACB.[9]
Vision and mission
The vision of the agency is to create a corruption-free Malawi, where public resources are used for the benefit of all citizens. The mission is to spearhead the fight against corruption through prevention, education, and law enforcement.
Leadership
The Director General of the agency Reyneck Matemba, was appointed in 2020. In 2023, Matemba was no longer the DG, he was representing himself in defence of charges that he was involved in corruption surrounding the awarding of a $7.8m contract to Zunith Sattar.[10] In 2024 Matemba was banned from entering the United States due to his involvement in corruption.[11]
Martha Chizuma, a Malawian lawyer, was appointed as Director General on 29 April 2021 after serving as Malawi's second woman ombudsman.[12] Her contract was not renewed after it ended in 31 March 2024.[13] It was reported that over 100 cases of corruption investigated by the ACB may never be resolved.[14]
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