Malawi joined the Construction Sector Transparency Initiative (CoST) in 2008 after sharing the aspirations of the initiative which was initiated by the Department for International Development in 2007 drawing on the experience of the Extractive Industries Transparency Initiative (EITI).

CoST introduces the transparency and accountability concept to the construction sector and focuses specifically on public disclosure of information. The ultimate aim is to enhance the accountability of procuring bodies and construction companies for the cost and quality of public-sector construction projects..