Transparency (Open Budget Index) 65/100
The Government of Malawi provides the public with substantial budget information.
Public Participation 44/100
The Government of Malawi provides the public with limited opportunities to engage in the budget process.
Budget Oversight
By legislature 67/100
Budget oversight by the legislature in Malawi is adequate.
By auditor 42/100
Budget oversight by the supreme audit institution in Malawi is limited.
Recommendations
Improving Transparency
Malawi should prioritize the following actions to improve budget transparency:
- Publish in a timely manner a Pre-Budget Statement.
- Produce and publish a Citizens Budget, a Mid-Year Review, and an Audit Report.
- Increase the comprehensiveness of the Executive’s Budget Proposal by presenting more information on macroeconomic forecasts.
Improving Participation
Malawi should prioritize the following actions to improve budget participation:
- Provide detailed feedback on how public perspectives have been captured and taken into account.
- Establish formal mechanisms for the public to assist the supreme audit institution to formulate its audit program.
- Provide detailed feedback on how public assistance and participation have been used by the supreme audit institution.
Improving Oversight
Malawi should prioritize the following actions to strengthen budget oversight:
- Ensure the Executive’s Budget Proposal is provided to legislators at least three months before the start of the budget year.
- Ensure the executive receives prior approval by the legislature before implementing a supplemental budget.
- Require legislative or judicial approval to remove the head of the supreme audit institution.