24 April 2024 – Lilongwe: Today marks a monumental step forward for justice in Malawi as the nation unveils its pioneering e-Court platform. Designed to bridge the gap between citizens and the legal system, the e-Court initiative promises to enhance access to justice, particularly for marginalized communities, through efficient, transparent, and paperless services.

E-justice represents a transformative leap in the delivery of legal services, leveraging technology to make justice more accessible, efficient, and transparent. With the launch of the e-Court platform, Malawi embraces digital transformation, aiming to revolutionize its judicial landscape by shifting from paper-based processes to electronic filing systems and online portals.

The e-Court initiative is a collaborative effort between the Malawi Judiciary, UNDP, Police, Prisons Services, and Airtel Malawi. This strategic partnership aims to modernize the justice system, make it more accessible to vulnerable groups, and reduce the geographical distance between citizens and courts.

In a country where 80-85% of the population resides in rural areas, far from formal court structures, the e-Court platform promises to bring justice closer to the people. The initiative addresses the logistical challenges many face in accessing legal remedies by facilitating remote access to court proceedings through video conferencing and virtual hearings.

Furthermore, the e-court system is poised to alleviate the burden on Malawi’s judiciary, which currently operates with limited resources and faces high caseloads and extensive delays. By streamlining court processes and embracing digital spaces, the initiative aims to enhance efficiency, accessibility, and transparency within the justice system.

"The digitization of court documents will alleviate the requirement for physical storage space and alleviate administrative burdens faced by the judiciary," remarked Hon. Chief Justice Rizine Mzikamanda during the launch. He also emphasized, "e-Court will address the persistent issue of missing files and facilitate the timely retrieval of case records."

The Go-Live session is not just the inauguration of the e-Court system but the dawn of a new era in legal proceedings. It heralds the advent of virtual court proceedings alongside traditional in-person hearings. With ten courts, six prisons, and four police stations initially linked in its pilot phase, the platform promises to revolutionize legal proceedings across Malawi, marking a significant shift in how justice is delivered.

"Embracing this digital transformation is crucial to building a more efficient and inclusive judicial system," stressed UNDP Resident Representative Fenella Frost. "Stakeholders must coordinate effectively to ensure that the e-Court initiative fulfills its promise of making justice more accessible and responsive to the needs of the public."

"Data security is a top priority in our partnership with e-courts," affirmed Airtel spokesperson. "We implement stringent security measures, such as encryption, firewalls, and intrusion detection systems, to protect the confidentiality and integrity of legal information and documents transmitted through our network. By safeguarding sensitive data from unauthorized access and cyber threats, we help ensure the trust and reliability of e-Court systems."

The launch of the e-Court initiative signifies more than just a technological advancement; it represents a commitment to fostering a just and equitable society where access to justice is a fundamental right for all. As Malawi embraces the possibilities provided by e-justice, it takes a decisive step towards closing the justice gaps and ensuring that the rule of law prevails for every citizen.

For media inquiries, please contact:

Ms. Sawiche Wamunza, Communication & Partnership Specialist in Tanzania /Malawi

Steve M’bayeni, Communications Associate – steve.mbayeni@undp.org | +265993693152