Speaking during the event, ACB’s Chief Systems Analyst, Ms. Yowoyani Chinoko, highlighted that the mobile app is part of the Bureau’s broader efforts to digitise its operations and align with Malawi’s digital governance agenda. 

“The ACB dreamt of creating an inclusive and efficient system for citizens to report corruption, but we lacked the financial resources to make it a reality. We are deeply grateful to UNDP for their generous funding and technical expertise that brought this dream to life,” he said.

UNDP’s support went beyond financing. Through its Digital Team, UNDP led the development of the app, incorporating technical consultations, user experience feedback, and multiple testing phases. 

Ms. Nanise Saune-Qaloewai, UNDP Governance Portfolio Manager, emphasized the initiative’s alignment with Malawi 2063, the national development blueprint, and SDG 16 on building effective, accountable, and inclusive institutions.

“This initiative is not just about technology; it is about restoring public confidence, breaking down barriers to accountability, and enabling citizens to become active participants in promoting integrity. The mobile app will provide a safe, accessible and anonymous channel for citizens to report corruption, even from remote areas,” she stated.

The validation meeting served as a user acceptance testing exercise, engaging report centre officers and investigators, as well as key end users, to assess the application’s functionality against the business requirements they initially provided. Their feedback will guide final refinements before the platform is launched to the public.

The mobile application's anticipated benefits are significant and far-reaching. It enhances public access to safe and anonymous avenues for reporting corruption, ensuring that individuals can raise concerns without fear of retaliation. 

The system is designed to improve the efficiency of complaint handling by enabling real-time data capture and seamless integration with the Bureau’s internal case management systems. Furthermore, the app encourages greater citizen participation in safeguarding public resources, fostering a sense of collective responsibility. Importantly, it also strengthens protections for whistleblowers and promotes greater transparency in the fight against corruption.

The mobile application also supports the Anti-Corruption Bureau’s long-term digital strategy, which envisions automating other core functions, including case registration and processing.