Chief Justice Rezine Nzikamanda and the United Nations Resident Representative to Malawi, Fenella Frost, have jointly inaugurated a state-of-the-art computer laboratory at the Chichiri Court House in Blantyre and officially launched the Judiciary’s first-ever ICT Policy.
Speaking at the event, Frost emphasised that digital transformation is key to ensuring equitable access to justice for all Malawians.
She noted that the UN, through its Access to Justice Programme, has been a critical partner in supporting the judiciary’s technological transition.
She said the initiative positions Malawi’s judiciary on the path toward a more inclusive and accessible justice system, aligning with global digital governance standards and the UN’s Sustainable Development Goal 16 — Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions.
“Digital systems allow courts to function faster and more fairly. The e-court system we launched a year ago is already improving efficiency and cutting operational costs, bringing justice closer to the people,” Frost said.
Chief Justice Nzikamanda commended UNDP for supporting digital transformation in the judiciary, saying the ICT Policy and the new computer lab are transformative tools that will strengthen the judiciary’s capacity to deliver justice effectively, thereby fulfilling the judiciary’s wish to ensure that technology becomes a tool for fairness, inclusion, and accountability.
“The Judiciary fully embraces technology to ensure justice for all. This policy will guide us toward a fully transformed institution capable of delivering timely, transparent, and accessible justice,” said Mzikamanda.
The ICT Policy introduces several reforms, including real-time tracking of cases, digitalisation of court records, and virtual court hearings.
The developments are expected to reduce case backlogs, prevent loss of records, and minimize the time and costs associated with court proceedings, with a key objective to bridge the justice gap.
