By Suleman Chitera | Investigative Report
Lilongwe, Malawi
A multimillion-dollar passport deal signed by the former Malawi Congress Party (MCP) administration continues to generate shockwaves across the nation as questions mount over transparency, procurement procedures, and national security risks. The new government has since pledged sweeping reforms to clean up the country’s passport system and restore public trust.
Background: The $29.9 Million Passport Deal
In March 2025, the MCP-led government signed a US$29.9 million (approximately K52 billion) contract with Madras Security Printers Private Limited, an Indian-based company, to supply Malawi with new electronic passports.
The five-year contract was touted as a major step forward, promising to double passport production capacity from 1,000 to 2,000 passports per day and eliminate long-standing backlogs that had left thousands of Malawians stranded without travel documents.
However, the deal quickly came under scrutiny after revelations that key oversight bodies were allegedly bypassed during the procurement process.
Questions Over Transparency and Accountability
Investigations revealed several red flags:
The Public Procurement and Disposal of Assets Authority (PPDA) was reportedly not fully consulted before the contract was signed.
The Attorney General’s Office publicly stated it was not briefed or involved in reviewing the deal.
Critics pointed out that the selected company, Madras Security Printers, has previously faced controversies in other countries, raising concerns over data security and the protection of biometric information.
Observers also questioned whether the contract truly represented value for money, with some suggesting that the cost per passport had significantly increased compared to previous arrangements.
Corruption in Passport Issuance: A Systemic Problem
Beyond the contract itself, the passport issuance process under the previous administration was marred by widespread allegations of bribery and abuse of office.
In 2024, the Anti-Corruption Bureau (ACB) arrested eight immigration officers and two civilians accused of collecting bribes from desperate passport applicants. Earlier, in 2023, another immigration officer was caught charging K140,000 instead of the official K90,000 processing fee.
These incidents reinforced public perception that Malawi’s passport system had become a hotbed of corruption, dominated by syndicates operating within the Department of Immigration and Citizenship Services.
New Government’s Response: Reforms and Recovery
Determined to rebuild trust, the new administration has announced major reforms aimed at improving transparency, efficiency, and accessibility in passport services.
Key measures include:
- Clearing the Backlog:
The Department of Immigration has embarked on a national operation to clear all pending applications from January 2023 to mid-2024. - Decentralisation:
Passport services are now being rolled out to regional centres in Blantyre, Mzuzu, and Mangochi to make access easier and reduce travel costs for citizens. - Digitalisation and E-Payments:
A new online passport application and payment system has been launched, allowing citizens to apply and pay through electronic platforms — a move expected to curb bribery and cash-handling risks. - Enhanced Security and Data Protection:
The new contract includes stronger biometric security features and compliance with ICAO international standards to protect citizens’ personal data. - Tougher Anti-Corruption Enforcement:
The Ministry of Homeland Security has vowed to take decisive action against officers found soliciting bribes, warning that dismissal and prosecution await anyone caught.
Public Concerns Remain
Despite these reforms, many Malawians remain sceptical. Civil society groups and transparency watchdogs have called for the public release of procurement documents and a parliamentary inquiry into how the deal was awarded.
Economists also warn that Malawi must avoid repeating past mistakes, where poor oversight led to inflated contracts, data leaks, and loss of public confidence.
Expert View: The Need for a Transparent Digital Future
Political analyst George Chaima told Malawi Freedom Network that Malawi’s passport saga highlights deeper governance weaknesses.
“The passport deal is just a symptom of a much larger problem — the culture of secrecy in public contracts. The new government must ensure every tender is subject to public scrutiny,” said Chaima.
He added that true reform will require not just technology, but accountability, open data, and regular audits.
Conclusion
The passport deal controversy under the MCP government has exposed serious gaps in procurement integrity and data security. While the new government’s measures — digitalisation, decentralisation, and anti-corruption efforts — mark a positive step forward, the real test will be in implementation and accountability.
Only a transparent, citizen-focused system can ensure that Malawians finally get the secure and efficient passport service they deserve.
