26 November 2025 will go down in history of the country’s development journey as the Construction Industry Regulatory Authority is officially launched from the National Construction Industry Council of Malawi following the enactment of the Construction Industry Act No. 28 of 2025.
The event was graced by the Minister of Transport and Public Works, Hon. Dr. Feston Kaupa, MP, the Solicitor General and Secretary for Justice, the principal secretary for transport and public works, different heads of regulatory authorities, agencies and professional boards and associations, development partners, players in the industry, members of media and other invited guests.
Opening the function, the Chief Executive Officer for CIRA, Eng. Gerald Khonje said the day is a remarkable moment for everyone as they gathered to unveil a new Authority and affirm collective responsibility for the future of Malawi’s built environment.
“CIRA begins its journey today with purpose, clarity and with the shared commitment of all stakeholders gathered here, today’s significance cannot be underestimated. We stand on the shoulders of 29 years of work under NCIC and we honor that legacy and all the people that contributed to that legacy since 1996… the transition to CIRA represents something very profound, a national agreement that our construction industry must be more coordinated, more innovative and more accountable if Malawi is to strive in the decades ahead.”
He emphasized that the role of the newly launched Authority is not just regulatory but developmental, collaborative and forward looking as its mandate sets a higher standard for the country with greater enforcement power and oversight over all construction value chain actors. This will help reshape the industry not just regulate it by operationalizing the bill through systems, partnerships and practical support to the industry.
Speaking at the event, the guest of honour, Hon. Dr. Feston Kaupa, the Minister of Transport and Public Works expressed excitement for officially launching the Authority of an industry that holds a critical role in our national development agenda and challenged everyone present to leverage on the new chapter which comes with higher standards, stronger accountability and renewed commitment.
“Today we mark a significant milestone in Malawi’s development journey. The launch of the Construction Industry Regulatory Authority—CIRA—is not simply the introduction of a new institution. It is the beginning of a new chapter characterized by higher standards, stronger accountability, and a renewed commitment to building quality infrastructure for our nation… CIRA represents a deliberate shift from outdated practices to a modern regulatory regime aligned with global standards and national development priorities.”
He added that the new act empowers the Authority to enforce stronger penalties for non-compliance like suspension or deregistration, fines proportionate to project value and sanctions for fraudulent conduct, collusion and misrepresentation. Further he said that all prescribed public and private construction projects will be subject to mandatory technical audits and asked everyone to work together to build infrastructure that reflects the future we all envision.
“It is now my honour to declare CIRA officially launched,” he closed.
