Local researchers in K692m ACBF project
African Capacity Building Foundation (ACBF) has set aside $1 million (K692 million) to kick-start the Malawi Public Policy Research and Analysis Project meant to enhance the effectiveness and relevance of public policies in the country.
Apart from that, the project also seeks to undertake broader policy research and analysis, focusing on all key sectors of the economy.
Speaking at the launch of the project in Lilongwe on Friday, Secretary to the Treasury Ronald Mangani said the intention of the project is that existing academic research centres such as Centre for Social Research (CSR) of the University of Malawi (Unima) and the Agriculture Policy Research Institute (Apru) of the Lilongwe University of Agriculture and Natural Resources (Luanar) should become integral participants in the project.
“The Malawi Public Policy Research and Analysis Project creates a useful framework for promoting the conduct of deep research and analysis on topical issues of national socio-economic significance to inform policy.
“Ultimately, the project pursues the objective of enhancing the effectiveness and relevance of public policies in Malawi as well as deepening the national capacity to track the degree and impact of policy implementation,” he said.
Mangani said the project has broad objectives with three key deliverables, including policy formulation, implementation and networking.
The Malawi Government has, on its part, provided counterpart financing amounting to $378 000 (K261 million).
Mangani said Malawi needs to address the challenge of formulating policies without proper mechanisms for effective implementation which often result in failed policies.
ACBF programme officer Beruk Negash said time is ripe for Africa to come up with proper research to solve its domestic problems.
“Research is important and Africa can achieve a lot if it has enough capacity to conduct proper research to solve local problems,” he said.
Established in 1991, ACBF builds human and institutional capacity for good governance and economic development in Africa.
To date, the foundation has empowered governments, parliaments, civil society, private sector and higher education institutions in more than 45 countries and six regional economic communities.
