Let's Introduce Mzinda

Mzinda is a platform that has aimed to address on different focus areas in the space of citizen information and reporting. Initially birthed as a platform to receive reports, it has matured and evolved into a multifaceted platform.

Mzinda is a dynamic and integrated web and mobile based platform through which citizens and government agencies can conveniently engage. Under the Voices and Actions for Accountability in Malawi (VAAM) project; Mzinda will be used as a tool through which citizens in targeted implementation areas conveniently request for information on budgets for planned projects, expenditure lines and procurement processes.

  • It has to be noted that the VAAM project is being implemented at both national and Local Authority level in seven district councils across the three regions of Malawi; namely Blantyre, Dowa, Mangochi, Ntcheu, Mzimba, Mzuzu and Zomba.
  • Hivos and CCJP LL are will monitor and report Implementation of activities with the hope of increasing dialogue and exchange of information on public expenditure between Local Government Authorities and citizens.

Local government authorities, Ministries, Departments and Agencies in Malawi receive funding from the national budget and for some, they have active public revenue collection streams. Whilst acknowledging the efforts by other players to empower citizens participate in the budgeting process and access information, Mzinda aims to provide a convenient platform through which citizens can access information on Local government authority budgets, expenditures and procurement processes. Through access to such information, it is anticipated that citizens will influence the transparency and accountability of targeted public institutions towards and local authorities meaningful development.

Mzinda's Current Focus Area The VAAM Project

Corruption is one of the major challenges affecting Malawi. This takes place at both local and national level. Local authorities in Malawi receive funding from the national budget and public revenue collection streams, but budgeting and public procurement processes in these local authorities remain opaque. This leaves room for corruption. In 2018, the government launched public sector reforms to combat high level corruption and public finance mismanagement. However, oversight mechanisms and institutions such as the parliament, media and the judiciary remain weak. CSOs and media also lack the capacity to use data and ICT to make authorities accountable and to advocate for more transparent and accountable public spending..
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