Highlights of the Results and Accountability Workshop held In Zambia

Zambia hosted the Results and Accounatbility workshop from 11th to 13th September 2012, whose objectives were:

To share experiences and lessons learned from results and accountability oriented initiatives in participants’ countries;

1. To identify key issues and next steps required to foster a stronger focus on results in partner countries and development partners; and,
2. To identify capacity development needs to strengthen institutions for monitoring, reporting and mutual and domestic accountability

The worksho was attended by representatives of governments, civil society organisations (CSOs), national parliaments and private sector organisations (PSOs) from seven countries – Ghana,Kenya, Malawi, Mozambique, Tanzania, Uganda, and Zambia.

The key highlighst of the discussions were:

• Inclusive framework for formulating national development strategies in which all stakeholders are represented. Emphasis was placed on the need to increase the  participation of the CSOs and other development partners in developing National Development Plans was noted.
• Defining the key ingredients of good leadership to champion Results and Accountability issues
• Adequate communication and dialogue between partners so as to effectively reach a genuine shared agenda. Governments particularly have an obligation to provide information on the unfolding process and the results of consultations with various stakeholders including beneficiaries. DPs on the other hand should indicate clearly their commitments and the prerequisites if any to trigger the needed disbursements and support. This will enhance confidence and trust among various parties.
• Political Will : The shared agenda it was noted should  have political buy-in to be sustainable. The role of Parliament was identified as crucial to securing the required political support. And this should go beyond approving the NDPs but to watch over its implementation with a focus on results and building the dialogue process on results.

The full report workshop is hereto attached Final%20Draft%20Summary%20Report.docx. You are all invited to make comments and contributions.

Chola - from Zambia