The Malawi Government, has developed the National Access to Information (ATI) Policy to guide the process of wider public knowledge about governance and democracy, and the right of Malawians to make their choices and decisions freely, thus increasing the capacity to enjoy fundamental freedoms. The National ATI Policy will govern the provision of access to public information which is essential for promoting civil, political and socio-economic rights, as well as promoting accountability, transparency and participatory development and governance.
The Malawi Growth and Development Strategy (MGDS) II recognizes information as crucial for socio – economic development of the country. Popular participation of citizens in development, governance and democratic processes will increase if the population has access to timely and relevant information. This Policy, therefore, has been developed in line with MGDS II.