By Ntchindi Meki

Copyright mwnation

The European Union (EU) has commended digital transformation in the country’s justice sector, saying it is a critical shift from inefficient paper-based systems.

EU Delegation to Malawi head of cooperation George Dura said this in Lilongwe yesterday during the launch of a new Financial Accounting System and a Document Repository System. The two systems are funded under the Chilungamo II Programme.

During the ceremony, the EU also donated vehicles and motorcycles to justice delivery institutions valued at K1.2 billion.

Dura said the new financial platform is already improving financial management, reporting and data-driven decision-making.

“This system ensures compliance with international standards and has great potential for expansion. It is a system that can capture incoming support from all development partners,” he said.

The EU official also commended the improved quality of annual work plans from implementing partners, saying it is a clear sign of ownership and commitment.

In his remarks, Deputy Chief Justice Lovemore Chikopa said the vehicles, motorcycles and new systems are not mere tools of convenience, but essential enablers of justice.

“They will enhance our capacity to reach communities in hard-to-reach areas, strengthen accountability in resource management and improve how information is stored, accessed and shared,” he said.

Chikopa pledged that every resource would be put to its best use to advance access to justice, human rights and the rule of law.

Minister of Justice Titus Mvalo said addressing prison congestion is a priority area under the programme, adding that guidelines for implementing the new Prisons Act are being developed with technical support from Chilungamo II.

The Judiciary received one vehicle and six motorcycles to enhance mobility while the Office of the Ombudsman received one car to strengthen oversight.

On the other hand, Malawi Police Service received 10 motorcycles to improve community presence; Malawi Prison Service got one vehicle and two motorcycles to ease prisoner management while the Legal Aid Bureau received two vehicles to expand legal services for the vulnerable.

In March this year, EU pumped 17 million euro (about K31.4 billion) into the four-year Chilungamo Project Phase II, which aims to help reform the country’s justice system.

Chilungamo II builds on its predecessor Chilungamo I, which ran from 2016 to 2023 and received 48 million euros under the 11th European Development Fund to strengthen governance and justice delivery.

It seeks to tackle problems such as expensive legal fees, confusing processes, and corruption that stop ordinary people from getting fair treatment in courts.