CoST – the Infrastructure Transparency Initiative is the leading global initiative improving transparency and accountability in public infrastructure.

CoST works with government, industry and civil society to promote the disclosure of infrastructure project data. It validates and makes this data easy to understand through an assurance process and ensures this information reaches citizens. This helps to empower citizens to demand better infrastructure and hold decision makers to account.

The Malawi chapter of CoST has focused on developing innovative platforms that allow citizens to raise their concerns and engage with key stakeholders on issues of transparency in public procurement projects (including a toll-free SMS service). CoST Malawi has also been actively involved in the review and passing of a new Public Procurement and Disposal of Assets Act in 2017.