By Ebi Kesiena
Malawi’s Anti-Corruption Bureau (ACB) has reinstated a mandatory asset vetting and clearance system for all ownership transfers involving motor vehicles, land, and housing, as part of renewed efforts to curb corruption and prevent the concealment of illicit assets.
The measure, which became effective on Friday, requires every transaction in these categories to undergo screening by the bureau before ownership can officially change hands. According to the ACB, the system is aimed at closing loopholes that allow individuals to hide or transfer property linked to corrupt activities.
ACB Acting Director General, Gabriel Chembezi, said the bureau has formally notified key government institutions, including the Department of Road Traffic and Safety Services, the Ministry of Lands, Housing and Urban Development, the Malawi Housing Corporation, and all city and district councils.
“We appeal to public officials in the above-mentioned institutions, as well as members of the public, to cooperate with the ACB in this exercise and desist from engaging in corrupt practices aimed at frustrating the process,” Chembezi said in a statement.
To minimize administrative bottlenecks, the ACB stated that the vetting and clearance process will be completed within four working days.
The asset vetting system was originally suspended in August 2021, though authorities made it clear at the time that it could be reinstated if necessary. Its revival now follows heightened scrutiny of asset declarations and rising concerns over illicit enrichment within Malawi’s public sector.
The ACB has in recent months intensified its tracking and recovery of properties suspected to be proceeds of corruption, signalling a broader clampdown on financial crimes and strengthening public accountability.
