CEPA: Malawi Must Improve Extractive Sector Management
The workshop focused on strengthening transparency and accountability in Malawi's extractive sector.
LILONGWE, Malawi - The Centre for Environmental Policy and Advocacy (CEPA) has expressed the need to better manage Malawi's natural resources within the extractive industry, executive director Herbert Mwalukomo said Wednesday, writes Meclina Chirwa.
Mwalukomo made the remarks during a regional workshop on strengthening natural resource governance through shared learning, funded by the Southern Africa Trust.
The workshop aimed to create a platform for stakeholders to exchange knowledge on extractive sector governance, equip participants with useful skills for promoting good governance and promote regional collaboration, Mwalukomo said.
"We were looking at tax justice. Malawi and the African region are endowed with resources but we are not benefiting as much as we should, partly because our tax regime is lacking," Mwalukomo said.
He noted Malawi still lags behind in promoting transparency in the mineral sector.
"We are doing something, but we still have a long way to go. Countries like Tanzania already have laws enacted in 2015 with lessons on effectiveness," Mwalukomo said.
"Malawi Must Do More to Manage Natural Resources."
Moyna Mwenye of the Southern Africa Trust said the organization aims to create platforms for regional discussions on valid issues. "We support CEPA and partners to have related dialogues. Through this project financed under CEA, they've managed to hold discussions within the region for others to share experiences on transparency in the extractive sector," Mwenye said.
The workshop focused on strengthening transparency and accountability in Malawi's extractive sector.