Promoting Transparency and Accountability in Malawi: A Game-Changing Workshop for Public Financial Management (PFM)

In an impactful step toward enhancing public accountability and transparency in Malawi, a transformative three-day workshop was successfully held in August 2024. The event, hosted by the African Institute of Corporate Citizenship (AICC), in collaboration with the INTOSAI Development Initiative (IDI) and the National Audit Office Malawi (NAO), brought together key stakeholders focused on improving Public Financial Management (PFM).

The workshop highlighted the critical role of collaboration between Supreme Audit Institutions (SAIs) and Civil Society Organizations (CSOs) and how this partnership can reshape Malawi’s public financial landscape.

Workshop Overview: A Step Toward Better Governance

The workshop took place from August 28 to 30, 2024, at the Ufulu Gardens Hotel in Malawi. It marked a significant milestone in strengthening Malawi’s PFM system. Here’s a quick breakdown of the workshop’s key points:

• Goal: To enhance the effectiveness of public financial management in Malawi through collaboration between SAIs and CSOs.
• Focus Areas: The event centered on how the collaboration between SAIs and CSOs can drive transparency, improve resource allocation, and promote accountability in public finances.
• Key Stakeholders: Attendees included professionals from government, civil society, and international organizations, all united by a shared commitment to improving public financial management.

The Power of Collaboration: SAIs and CSOs Working Together

While Supreme Audit Institutions (SAIs) are crucial for scrutinizing public expenditures and ensuring government accountability, Civil Society Organizations (CSOs) have an equally vital role to play. Here’s how their partnership can make a tangible difference:

Role of SAIs:

• Audit government expenditures.
• Hold public institutions accountable.
• Advocate for the responsible use of public funds.

Role of CSOs:

• Amplify audit findings.
• Engage the public for greater transparency.
• Advocate for reforms based on audit results.

The workshop aimed to bridge the gap between these two groups, allowing for a more collaborative approach that could significantly enhance the effectiveness of audits and improve PFM. It is clear that CSOs can help turn audit findings into concrete actions that lead to real reforms and better governance.

Key Takeaways from the Workshop

Over the three days, participants engaged in deep discussions about the future of SAI-CSO collaboration. They tackled the following key points:

• Building Stronger Legal Frameworks: Strengthening laws and regulations governing PFM to enable better collaboration.
• Addressing Knowledge Gaps: Both SAIs and CSOs acknowledged areas where mutual understanding needs improvement.
• Empowering CSOs: Ensuring that CSOs have the tools and authority to engage effectively in PFM processes.

The CADRE Project: A Roadmap for the Future

The workshop was part of the broader “Collaboration, Action, and Dialogue to Strengthen the Engagement of SAIs and CSOs in Improving Public Financial Management (CADRE)” project. Launched with funding from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of France, the CADRE project aims to:

• Enhance Accountability: Address challenges like regulatory gaps and limited collaboration between SAIs and CSOs.
• Build Capacity: Empower both groups to collaborate more effectively.
• Promote Inclusion: Incorporate gender and social inclusion in PFM reforms.

Creating a Roadmap for Continued Collaboration

As the workshop concluded, participants developed a comprehensive roadmap for continued collaboration between SAIs and CSOs. This roadmap includes:

• Regular Joint Activities: Continued opportunities for both parties to engage.
• Capacity-Building Initiatives: Ongoing training and workshops to build the skills of both groups.
• Monitoring and Evaluation Framework: A system for tracking the progress and impact of the collaboration.

This roadmap will guide efforts to ensure that the collaboration between SAIs and CSOs continues to thrive, with long-lasting results in public financial management.

A Commitment to Long-Term Change

The success of this workshop is a testament to the commitment of AICC, NAO, and IDI to advancing transparency and accountability in Malawi. The true measure of success will be seen in the tangible improvements to governance and public financial management that follow.

By continuing to work together, SAIs and CSOs can become a powerful force for lasting reforms, creating a more transparent, accountable, and inclusive Malawi. AICC, in collaboration with NAO and IDI, is dedicated to ensuring these efforts bring sustainable change to the people of Malawi and the broader African region.

FAQs:

1. What was the main objective of the three-day workshop?

• The workshop aimed to foster collaboration between Supreme Audit Institutions (SAIs) and Civil Society Organizations (CSOs) to improve Public Financial Management (PFM) in Malawi. By strengthening this partnership, the goal is to promote greater transparency, accountability, and efficient use of public resources.

2. How can Civil Society Organizations (CSOs) contribute to Public Financial Management (PFM)?

• CSOs can play a crucial role in amplifying audit findings, advocating for reforms, and engaging the public to ensure that the results of audits lead to meaningful changes in the use of public resources.

3. What is the CADRE project, and how does it relate to the workshop?

• The CADRE project focuses on strengthening the collaboration between SAIs and CSOs to improve PFM. It addresses challenges like regulatory gaps and aims to build capacity, promote better resource management, and incorporate gender and social inclusion.

4. What outcomes were expected from the workshop?

• The workshop aimed to develop a roadmap for future collaboration between SAIs and CSOs, ensuring continuous improvement in PFM practices through joint activities, capacity-building initiatives, and a robust monitoring and evaluation framework.

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