Malawi Launches ACB Connect Mobile App to Strengthen the Fight Against Corruption

August 28, 2025
Four professionals stand together at a launch event, smiling in front of a screen displaying app graphics.

Official launch of the ACB Connect mobile application. From left: ACB Chief Systems Analyst/Programmer, Ms. Yowoyani Chinoko; ACB Acting Director General, Counsel Hillary Chilomba; Principal Secretary for e-Government, Mr. Stephen Mjuweni; and UNDP Malawi Chief Technical Advisor for Rule of Law and Human Rights, Dr. Rowland Cole.

UNDP Malawi

Malawi has taken a bold step to enhance transparency and accountability with the official launch of ACB Connect, a citizen-focused mobile application designed to make reporting corruption secure, confidential, and accessible to all.

Launched in Lilongwe, the app is a pioneering innovation for Malawi, developed by the Anti-Corruption Bureau (ACB) in partnership with UNDP, which aims to strengthen oversight institutions, promote human rights, and support the rule of law.

The ceremony gathered senior government officials, civil society representatives, development partners, the private sector, and media personnel, who were given a live demonstration of the mobile app. 

Participants learned how the application enables citizens to submit reports via text, audio, or images, upload supporting documents, and monitor the status of their submissions. The demonstration emphasised key features such as whistleblower anonymity, in-app messaging, and real-time updates on cases.

A man in a suit speaks into a microphone at a podium during a presentation.

Counsel Hillary Chilomba, Acting Director General of ACB.

UNDP Malawi

Speaking at the launch, Counsel Hillary Chilomba, Acting Director General of ACB, said:

“Corruption remains one of the greatest challenges to our nation’s development. It diverts resources meant for schools, hospitals, and infrastructure. It weakens institutions, slows down progress, and erodes public trust in governance. The Government of Malawi, working through the Anti-Corruption Bureau, is fully committed to addressing this problem head-on.”

He emphasised that ACB Connect “is a step forward in digital transformation — a tool that empowers citizens to report corruption safely, quickly, and confidentially”.

A man speaks at a podium during a presentation about a new reporting application.

UNDP Malawi Chief Technical Advisor for Rule of Law and Human Rights, Dr. Rowland Cole.

UNDP Malawi

UNDP Malawi Chief Technical Advisor for Rule of Law and Human Rights, Dr. Rowland Cole, noted:

“This mobile application is more than just a technological innovation. It is about empowering citizens, especially young people and those in remote areas, to speak out against corruption safely and confidently. It is about giving Malawians the tools to take part in shaping a society built on trust, fairness, and integrity.”

A man in a suit speaks into a microphone at a podium with a smartphone graphic in the background.

Principal Secretary for e-Government, Mr. Stephen Mjuweni.

UNDP Malawi

Principal Secretary for e-Government, Mr. Stephen Mjuweni, commended the ACB and UNDP for their collaboration:

“For us, it is a milestone in advancing our twin goals of digitilisation and good governance. Digitalisation is not a luxury but a necessity for our nation’s social and economic growth as enshrined in the Malawi 2063 Vision.”

Two smartphones and a laptop displaying a dashboard with graphs and statistics.

The App will let citizens report via text, audio or images, upload evidence, and track cases with anonymity, in-app messaging, and real-time updates.

UNDP Malawi

The ACB Connect app can be downloaded from the Google Store and will soon be available on the App Store, providing Malawians with a new, secure way to engage in the country’s anti-corruption efforts.