On 7 February 2024, Democracy Works Foundation (DWF) under the USAID-supported Malawi Parliamentary Support Program (PSP) hosted a historic, strategic, and transformative Cross-party Workshop at the Crossroads Hotel in Lilongwe. This unprecedented event brought together Secretary Generals and senior leaders from all political parties represented in the Malawi Parliament, marking a significant milestone in fostering integrity, collective responsibility, and national interest during the then impending Parliamentary Budget Session.
The workshop primarily aimed to create a collaborative platform for political leaders to proactively engage in and positively impact the upcoming budget sessions. By uniting across political party lines, participants demonstrated a shared commitment to transparency, accountability, and the overall well-being of the nation.
In his opening address, DWF Deputy Regional Director, Ms. Fannie Nthakomwa, emphasised the critical importance of integrity and collective responsibility in Parliamentary proceedings. She highlighted that the budget session is a pivotal moment for addressing the nation’s priorities and ensuring that public resources are allocated effectively and efficiently. The Deputy Regional Director called on all political party leaders to set aside partisan differences and work together in the best interest of Malawi.
Throughout the workshop, participants engaged in insightful discussions and interactive sessions, exploring strategies to enhance parliamentary oversight of the budget process. Topics covered included best practices for scrutinizing budget proposals, techniques for analysing appropriations, and methods for ensuring that budgetary allocations align with national development goals.
Keynote Moderation and Presentations were shared by DWF Public Resource management Expert, Mr Dalitso Kubalasa alongside the DWF Associates and Governance and Budget Experts, Dr Henry Chingaipe and Mr Michael Kabaghe. These underscored experiences and expertise, providing valuable perspectives from both domestic and international contexts, on how to foster a culture of integrity and accountability in budgetary processes. Their insights reinforced the importance of collaboration and transparency in achieving sustainable development outcomes for Malawi and its people.
One of the workshop’s key outcomes was a collective commitment from all political parties to uphold the principles of integrity and accountability during the budget sessions. Participants agreed on the need for continuous dialogue, regular consultations, and joint efforts to monitor and evaluate budget implementation. This unified approach is expected to further enhance public trust in the parliamentary process and ensure that the budget reflects the true needs and aspirations of the Malawian people.
The first-ever Cross-party Workshop preceding a Budget Session of the Malawi Parliament was a resounding success, setting a new standard for political cooperation and responsible governance in Malawi. By elevating the profile integrity and collective responsibility, the workshop has paved the way for a more transparent, accountable, and effective budget session.
