The Malawi Judiciary today inaugurated a new chapter with the official launch of the Malawi Judiciary Strategic Plan (MJSP) 2025-2030 and the Digitalisation Strategy (2025-2030) at a ceremony held at the Chichiri Court House Auditorium in Blantyre.
The twin documents were officially unveiled by the Honourable the Chief Justice Rizine R. Mzikamanda, SC, in an event attended by Honourable Justices of Appeal, Honourable Judges of the High Court, senior judicial officers and members of staff of the Judiciary, representatives from government institutions, and key development partners, including the European Union (EU) which funded the development of the two documents.
The Honourable Chief Justice’s Address and Call to Action
The Honourable the Chief Justice Mzikamanda, SC, declared the documents officially launched and emphasised their crucial nature.
The documents we are launching today will be instruments of progress and not merely statistical or policy documents.
The Honourable Chief Justice affirmed the Judiciary's unwavering commitment to utilising these strategies to transform the justice system, improve access to justice for all, and advance open and people-centred justice while seeking to transform the Malawi Judiciary generally.
It is of utmost importance that every member of the Judiciary is made familiar with the entire documents and uses them as reference points. Everyone should get interested and get engaged in the documents.
The Honourable Chief Justice also offered the Judiciary’s gratitude to the European Union Chilungamo Programme for generously providing financial and technical support, without which the two documents would not have been prepared on time.
EU Praises Plan to 'Serve People Better'
A key partner in the development process, the European Union, was represented by the Ambassador to the Republic of Malawi, His Excellency Daniel Aristi-Gaztelumendi.
In his virtual address, the Ambassador praised the Judiciary's forward-looking approach, stating:
The European Union is proud to have contributed to the development of the 2025-2030 Strategic Plan that boldly seeks to serve people better.
He further underscored the practical importance of the Strategic Plan as a guiding instrument, adding,
Looking at the resources and the effort that has gone into developing this strategic plan, it is indeed my hope that it serves as a clear roadmap for the institution in addressing some of the challenges in accessing justice in Malawian courts.
On the digital transformation, the Ambassador encouraged continuous innovation, commenting that the use of new technology within the confines of Malawian law should be encouraged to enhance efficiency.
The Blueprint for Institutional Reform
The Chairperson of the Task Team on the Strategic Plan, Honourable Justice of Appeal Healey Potani, SC, highlighted that the MJSP 2025-2030 is viewed as a powerful instrument for guiding institutional transformation and reform. He said it will be the core document to align the Judiciary's goals with its constitutional mandate, guide resource allocation, and strengthen its commitment to delivering impartial and efficient judicial services that earn public trust and confidence.
Justice Potani, JA, SC, shared with the gathering how the Judiciary has progressed over the years in its approach to planning. He also briefly shared the process that has led to the completion and official launch of the MJSP and indicated how the process has made the Judiciary learn important lessons, strengthen its planning approaches, and be ready to embrace innovation.
Embracing the Digital Era
The launch of the Digitalisation Strategy is the roadmap for a systemic transformation to a modern, technology-enabled justice system. Honourable Justice Fiona Mwale, speaking on behalf of the Digitalisation Committee Chairperson, Hon. Justice of Appeal Frank Kapanda, noted that the Strategy aims to leverage technology to improve access to justice, enhance efficiency, and promote transparency.
Among others, the Strategy will accelerate key initiatives such as:
- The continued roll-out of e-courts and virtual hearings to bridge geographical barriers to justice, building on the successful launch of the e-Court platform in April 2024.
- The implementation of digital case management systems and electronic filing to minimise paper-based processes, and foster transparency for litigants and judicial officers.
- Expansion of the Court Recording System to ensure accurate, real-time capture and transcription of court proceedings.
Access the Honourable Chief Justice's speech: https://www.judiciary.mw/node/866
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