African Institute of Corporate Citizenship

𝐒𝐭𝐫𝐞𝐧𝐠𝐭𝐡𝐞𝐧𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐀𝐜𝐜𝐨𝐮𝐧𝐭𝐚𝐛𝐢𝐥𝐢𝐭𝐲 𝐢𝐧 𝐏𝐮𝐛𝐥𝐢𝐜 𝐅𝐢𝐧𝐚𝐧𝐜𝐞 𝐌𝐚𝐧𝐚𝐠𝐞𝐦𝐞𝐧𝐭: 𝐀 𝐆𝐫𝐨𝐮𝐧𝐝𝐛𝐫𝐞𝐚𝐤𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐖𝐨𝐫𝐤𝐬𝐡𝐨𝐩 𝐨𝐧 𝐒𝐀𝐈-𝐂𝐒𝐎 𝐂𝐨𝐥𝐥𝐚𝐛𝐨𝐫𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧 𝐢𝐧 𝐌𝐚𝐥𝐚𝐰𝐢 From 28 to 30 August 2024, the African Institute of Corporate Citizenship (AICC), INTOSAI Development Initiative (IDI), and the National Audit Office Malawi (NAO) hosted a transformative workshop focused on enhancing public accountability and improving Public Financial Management (PFM) in Malawi. The workshop brought together key stakeholders to explore how Supreme Audit Institutions (SAIs) and Civil Society Organizations (CSOs) can collaborate to ensure greater transparency and responsible management of public resources. 𝐖𝐡𝐲 𝐢𝐭 𝐌𝐚𝐭𝐭𝐞𝐫𝐬: SAIs plays a critical role in scrutinizing public spending, but it’s CSOs who amplify these findings and push for reforms. This collaboration is vital for holding governments accountable and creating a culture of good governance in Malawi. 𝐊𝐞𝐲 𝐓𝐚𝐤𝐞𝐚𝐰𝐚𝐲𝐬: ·      Strengthening legal frameworks for PFM ·      CSOs as key partners in advocating for accountability ·      Building capacity and fostering long-term cooperation between SAIs and CSOs As highlighted by AICC Resource Person, Memory Chilapodwa: 𝑆𝑡𝑟𝑜𝑛𝑔 𝑝𝑎𝑟𝑡𝑛𝑒𝑟𝑠ℎ𝑖𝑝𝑠 𝑎𝑟𝑒 𝑡ℎ𝑒 𝑓𝑜𝑢𝑛𝑑𝑎𝑡𝑖𝑜𝑛 𝑜𝑓 𝑔𝑜𝑜𝑑 𝑔𝑜𝑣𝑒𝑟𝑛𝑎𝑛𝑐𝑒. 𝑇𝑜𝑔𝑒𝑡ℎ𝑒𝑟, 𝑤𝑒 𝑐𝑎𝑛 𝑏𝑢𝑖𝑙𝑑 𝑎 𝑀𝑎𝑙𝑎𝑤𝑖 𝑤ℎ𝑒𝑟𝑒 𝑎𝑐𝑐𝑜𝑢𝑛𝑡𝑎𝑏𝑖𝑙𝑖𝑡𝑦 𝑖𝑠 𝑛𝑜𝑡 𝑗𝑢𝑠𝑡 𝑎𝑛 𝑎𝑠𝑝𝑖𝑟𝑎𝑡𝑖𝑜𝑛 𝑏𝑢𝑡 𝑎 𝑟𝑒𝑎𝑙𝑖𝑡𝑦.” We are excited to see the lasting impact of this initiative, which was part of the CADRE project funded by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of France. Stay tuned for more updates on how this collaboration is driving meaningful reforms in public financial management. #PFM #Accountability #GoodGovernance #CSO #SAI #Transparency #Malawi #AICC #IDI #NAO

𝔽ℝ𝕆𝕄 ℝ𝕀𝕍𝕀ℝ𝕀𝕍𝕀 𝕋𝕆 𝕃𝕌𝕊𝔸𝕂𝔸 𝕎𝕀𝕋ℍ 𝔸 ℂ𝔼ℝ𝕋𝕀𝔽𝕀ℂ𝔸𝕋𝔼 𝕀ℕ 𝕎𝔼𝔸𝕍𝕀ℕ𝔾 𝔸ℕ𝔻 𝕋𝔼𝕏𝕋𝕀𝕃𝔼: 𝔸 𝕋ℝ𝔸ℕ𝕊𝔽𝕆ℝ𝕄𝔸𝕋𝕀𝕍𝔼 𝕁𝕆𝕌ℝℕ𝔼𝕐 𝕆𝔽 𝕎𝕆𝕄𝔼ℕ ℂ𝕆𝕋𝕋𝕆ℕ 𝔽𝔸ℝ𝕄𝔼ℝ𝕊 𝕀ℕ 𝕄𝔸𝕃𝔸𝕎𝕀 In a remarkable stride toward advancing the textile industry in Malawi, the African Institute for Corporate Citizenship (AICC) with support from We Effect through Women Economic Empowerment in the Cotton Value Chain (WEECVC) project supported a 10 days Weaving and textile training of Ruth Mateyu and Rashida Mateyu to Lusaka in Zambia. Through its tireless efforts to bolster the cotton industry, the WEECVC project has been instrumental in empowering women and youth Cotton farmers across Balaka, Machinga and Salima Districts. By providing training in good cotton farming practices, access to lucrative markets, and affordable inputs, the project ensures sustainable growth and economic stability. However, AICC and We Effect are now setting their sights on expanding the cotton processing industry in Malawi, striving to enhance the country's competitive edge in the cotton export market through value addition. Rashida Mateyu hails from Nankumba EPA Mangochi and Ruth Mateyu, a gender champion from Rivirivi EPA Balaka were among the participants during the training organized by the Handloom Textiles Technology Association of Zambia. This training would immerse them in advanced weaving techniques, dyeing skills, quality control methods, and marketing strategies, empowering them to become successful small and medium-sized enterprise (SME) owners in the textile industry. Speaking on the day of their departure, Rashida Mateyu expressed her excitement, stating, "This is an opportunity for me to gain more knowledge in the cotton industry beyond farming. I hope to return home well-equipped to make a positive change in my community and share this knowledge with others." Ruth Mateyu echoed these sentiments, emphasizing that the training would enable them to start businesses and improve their livelihoods. In addition to their involvement in cotton farming, Rashida and Ruth are active members of various economic groups within their communities. Rashida's group owns a restaurant and raises local chickens, while Ruth, a leader in multiple village groups, participates in a bakery business. These entrepreneurial ventures are a testament to the impact of AICC and the WEECVC project in fostering economic resilience and empowerment. Miss Khadija Injesi, the AICC project officer for WEECVC Balaka, remarked, "This is a great opportunity for AICC, and we hope that We Effect will continue sponsoring these trainings. We are eager to see the journey of value addition in the Malawian cotton sector and southern Africa take the next stride. Through initiatives like these, the future of the Malawian cotton industry shines brighter, promising growth, innovation, and sustainable development for generations to come.

Happy independence day!

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Happening Now! We Effect Stakeholders’ Meeting, BICC, Lilongwe We're thrilled to be part of We Effect’s Stakeholders meeting on Promoting Value Chains for Trade. Right now, the event is buzzing with insightful discussions and meaningful connections. Our presence and expertise are enriching conversations and helping to chart a path toward sustainable trade and community empowerment. We Effect Southern Africa #buildingresilientcommunities #ValueChains #SustainableTrade #CommunityEmpowerment #AICC #WeEffectImpact

Read more about us Follow the link below to access our publications covering a wide range of projects. https://lnkd.in/d9qt9pGC

In our Tiwatukule Project's impact areas in Dedza and Ntcheu, we're witnessing a significant transformation in daily practices. From mastering proper handwashing techniques to ensuring the maintenance of clean water sources and embracing hygienic sanitation practices by the families we are assisting to graduate from Ultra-Poor. The families are wholeheartedly embracing WASH principles under the guidance of AICC through this initiative. We take immense pride in this positive shift. It is evident that as the families graduate from ultra-poor, their health will be sound through these sustainable health practices. Together with our partners FARMSE Malawi and @Malawi Government, we're making a tangible difference in promoting health, hygiene, and well-being within our impact areas. #TiwatukuleProject #WASH #CommunityImpact #Health #Hygiene #Sustainability

BLOSSOMING ENTERPRISES: AICC'S ENTREPRENEURIAL IMPACT ON CHILAKWANJA NETWORK IN THYOLO In Thyolo, the Southern part of Malawi, a transformation is underway. The story unfolds in the heart of agricultural innovation, where the Chilakwanja network, under the guidance of the African Institute of Corporate Citizenship (AICC), is not just cultivating crops but also nurturing an entrepreneurial spirit that is shaping the future of smallholder farming. The narrative unfolds with the network's radical progress—no longer merely cultivators, but entrepreneurs-in-the-making. Chilakwanja delves into the nuances of business planning, absorbing insights from mentorship sessions with seasoned business experts conveyed by AICC. The entrepreneurial spirit is not confined to theory; it takes root in practical initiatives. AICC's commitment to knowledge transfer culminates in the formulation of a comprehensive business plan, record keeping, business management, strengthening Village Savings and Loans, as well as diversification. AICC's holistic approach extends beyond the immediate network. Farmers from the Network have Farmers’ Field Schools, a community-driven initiative where acquired knowledge is shared. This ripple effect ensures that entrepreneurial skills permeate through the community, leaving no farmer untouched by the winds of change. As the story progresses, Chilakwanja network is portrayed not only as beneficiaries but as proactive agents of change. The entrepreneurial skills being instilled by AICC are empowering them to navigate the complexities of the agricultural sector independently. The capacity for self-reliance is a cornerstone of their journey. Chilakwanja’s story builds to a crescendo as the network envisions a future where their entrepreneurial prowess extends beyond the duration of the project. “AICC's impact is not just temporary; it lays the foundation for our sustained success,” said Samson Banda, Secretary of the grouping. The Statement by Banda is a testament that the network is being equipped not only to weather the challenges of project execution but to thrive and innovate in the ever-evolving agricultural landscape. Chilakwanja network, once bound by traditional farming practices, stands tall as a testament to AICC's commitment to fostering entrepreneurship. It is evident that entrepreneurial spirit, being sown by AICC, is blossoming into a garden of economic resilience and prosperity, promising a bountiful harvest for Thyolo and beyond.

A Journey of Reflection and Renewal: AICC's Planning and Review Meeting Amidst the serene ambiance of Kalipano Hotel in Dowa, the African Institute of Corporate Citizenship (AICC) orchestrated a pivotal gathering from February 21st to 22nd, 2024. This gathering served as a focal point for members to engage in an intimate dialogue, charting a purpose-driven course for the future. The heart of the meeting resided in reflective discussions, where officers earnestly navigated through the challenges encountered in project implementation and daily operations over the past year. These exchanges not only acknowledged obstacles but also laid the groundwork for a culture of continuous learning and advancement. Transitioning from reflection to strategic foresight, the dialogue seamlessly evolved towards planning for the road ahead. Practical discussions dominated the agenda, centering on sustainability as the guiding principle for future endeavors. As the curtains drew on the meeting, the African Institute of Corporate Citizenship emerged with a renewed sense of purpose and dedication. Armed with invaluable insights gleaned from past experiences and propelled by the boundless potential of the future, AICC remains resolute in its commitment to catalyze positive change and leave a lasting impact on the communities it serves. In embracing the ethos of purpose-driven leadership, AICC exemplifies a steadfast resolve to navigate challenges with resilience and steer toward a future brimming with possibilities. #AICC #CorporateCitizenship #Sustainability #Leadership #PurposeDriven #CommunityImpact