Malawi Scores Lowest on Global Infrastructure Transparency Index

Malawi has been ranked the lowest globally on the inaugural Infrastructure Transparency Index (ITI), scoring 25.41 percent, a result that has raised serious concerns about accountability and governance in the country’s construction sector.

According to the index, Costa Rica topped the rankings with 66.95 percent, while Uganda came second at 32.26 percent, underscoring the significant transparency gap facing Malawi.

Speaking at the launch of the ITI in Lilongwe, governance expert Mabvuto Bamusi said corruption continues to undermine the construction sector, resulting in poor-quality infrastructure.

He challenged Malawians to take greater responsibility for service delivery, noting that low citizen participation and limited involvement of civil society organisations (CSOs) in procurement and contract award processes contribute to the problem.

“These challenges result in substandard roads, schools, bridges and other infrastructure. In the end, the country loses money,” Bamusi said.

He stressed that citizen and civil society oversight is critical, as infrastructure projects are funded by taxpayers.

Bamusi added that transparency and accountability help build confidence among donors and the general public.

CoST Malawi Chairperson Engineer Samuel Biton said while Malawi has strong legal and policy frameworks governing the construction sector, enforcement remains weak.

He noted that transparency and accountability can only be achieved through meaningful citizen participation and the active engagement of CSOs in day-to-day processes.

Biton added that the ITI offers important insights into areas that need improvement to enhance the planning and delivery of future infrastructure projects.

Meanwhile, Construction Industry Regulatory Authority (CIRA) Chief Executive Officer Engineer Gerald Khonje said the country has the capacity to deliver high-quality infrastructure that citizens can trust if all stakeholders work together.

He also called on the media to play an active role in reporting on construction issues to strengthen public oversight and accountability.

The release of the ITI has renewed calls for stronger governance, increased citizen engagement and improved oversight to ensure Malawi’s infrastructure projects meet global standards for quality and transparency.