By Chisomo Phiri
Malawi Legal Aid Bureau(MLAB) has announced the appointment of Chimwemwe Chithope Mwale as its new Director, effective July 1, 2025.
Mwale, who has been serving as Acting Director since September 2024, brings over 14 years of experience in promoting and protecting the rights of the indigent and vulnerable groups.
According to a statement from the bureau, Mwale’s appointment was made by the Public Appointments Committee(PAC) in line with Section 9 of the Legal Aid Act.
Mwale holds a Master of Laws in Human Rights and Democratisation in Africa from the University of Pretoria (cum laude) and a Bachelor of Laws from the University of Malawi(UNIMA).
Some of his notable achievements include being a Makwanyane Capital Defence Fellow, a World Justice Challenge Winner, and a Victor Dankwa Prize recipient.
Mwale also became the second Malawian lawyer admitted to the Registry of the African Court on Human and Peoples’ Rights.
MLAB is a department of the government established under section 3 of the Legal Aid Act, with the mandate, among others, to provide legal aid in accordance with the Legal Aid Act.
