AFIDEP

Prioritising reforms for Malawi’s economic recovery and transformation requires more than policies. It requires a change in mindset, action and accountability. Speaking at the Economics Association of Malawi (ECAMA) Annual Economic Conference 2026 in Mangochi, AFIDEP Executive Director, Dr Eliya Msiyaphazi Zulu, highlighted the importance of addressing behaviours and practices that continue to undermine the country’s progress. “It’s the mindset shift. Continuing to engage in behaviours that we know are undermining the country’s progress, because we feel we cannot be held to account.” Dr Zulu emphasised that Malawi’s challenge is not a lack of policies or ideas, but the need to prioritise reforms, strengthen implementation and sustain progress. He highlighted the importance of stabilising the economy, improving economic management and investing in agriculture, mining, businesses and human capital to support long-term transformation. “These efforts must align with Malawi 2063, create opportunities for young people, deliver practical results, remain fiscally affordable and strengthen the country’s ability to earn and save foreign exchange.” With approximately 270,000 young people entering the labour market annually, while the economy creates around 40,000 formal jobs, effective reforms are essential to expanding employment opportunities, improving livelihoods and building a more productive economy. Achieving this requires sustained commitment, effective coordination, public accountability and consistent monitoring to ensure that reform priorities translate into tangible results for Malawians. Malawi’s economic transformation depends on turning policy commitments into action, strengthening institutions and sustaining reforms that deliver lasting improvements in people’s lives. #ECAMA2026 #EconomicTransformation #Malawi #AFIDEP #EconomicReforms #Accountability #Malawi2063

As the high-level dialogue on public institutions and oversight in Africa kicked off today, the question on the table was, are Africa’s institutions and oversight mechanisms catalysts for democratic consolidation, or instruments of regression? Opening the high-level policy dialogue, #AFIDEP’s Dr. Rose N. Oronje cited African Union’s #Agenda2063 Aspiration #3: An Africa of good governance, democracy, respect for human rights, justice and the rule of law, highlighting that good governance is “not one of the components of development”; it is the precondition for sustainable development; it is that which enables a continent to develop.” Delivering his keynote remarks, John Githongo, Chairman of the board, Inuka Kenya NI Sisi, and founding Director of Transparency International, Kenya, noted that the Country has exhausted the technical and legal frameworks for the governance challenge. The problem is not what we lack, but what we refuse to do. While presenting the Scorecard findings, AFIDEP’s Governance and Accountability Theme Lead, Alex Nester Jiya, PhD, noted that the continent's choice is not between having institutions and having none, but between institutions that exist and institutions that work. He said sustained political commitment can narrow this divide. The Africa Integrity Indicators provide evidence on how governance works in practice, not just on paper. 📍Explore the recently disseminated Round 13 data here ⤵️ africaintegrityindicators.or… #AII13 #AfricaIntegrityIndicators #GoodGovernance #AFIDEP #MoIbrahimFoundation

Evidence must be at the centre of efforts to advance meaningful and sustainable government reforms. Speaking during a leadership panel on Advancing Reform in Government at the Government Empowerment Network (GEN) Malawi Champion Onboarding in Lilongwe, AFIDEP’s Executive Director, Dr Eliya Zulu, emphasised the importance of grounding reform proposals in credible evidence to inform decision-making and build support for institutional change. Drawing on AFIDEP’s experience supporting parliamentary autonomy reforms in Malawi, Dr Zulu highlighted how research, lessons from other countries and strategic engagement with decision-makers contributed to advancing reforms aimed at strengthening Parliament’s autonomy and effectiveness. He encouraged reform champions to master the evidence behind their proposals, demonstrate the benefits of proposed changes and engage relevant stakeholders to translate evidence into action.

Today, AFIDEP launches the Africa Integrity Indicators Round 13 data and Integrity Narratives 2026. Today, we bring new evidence to the conversation. Explore the findings. Interrogate the evidence. Ask the difficult questions. Start the conversation. Register through bit.ly/47zRcJs to join us! #AII13 #AfricaIntegrityIndicators #IntegrityNarratives #GovernanceInAfrica #Accountability #EvidenceToAction

AFIDEP's Executive Director, Dr @EliyaZulu , will join a leadership panel on Advancing Reform in Government at the Government Empowerment Network (GEN) Malawi Champion Onboarding in Lilongwe. GEN Malawi is a government-led initiative aimed at empowering public servants to drive reforms by strengthening their capacity to identify institutional challenges, develop evidence-informed solutions and translate reform priorities into action. AFIDEP brings extensive experience in supporting institutional reforms in Malawi. Through the Malawi Parliament Enhancement Project (MPEP), AFIDEP provided technical support to the Parliament of Malawi in advancing reforms aimed at strengthening its autonomy, operational efficiency and capacity to fulfil its legislative, oversight and representation functions. Dr Zulu will share insights from this experience, highlighting the role of evidence, leadership and institutional collaboration in translating reform priorities into meaningful change.

What has shaped the Africa Integrity Indicators Scorecard's journey, and what does its future hold under AFIDEP? In this video, Dr Rose Oronje, AFIDEP’s Deputy Executive Director and Head of Programmes, reflects on the Scorecard’s journey, from its launch in 2012 by Global Integrity in collaboration with the Mo Ibrahim Foundation to its transition to the African Institute for Development Policy (AFIDEP) in 2021. Dr Oronje discusses why the Scorecard moved to AFIDEP, the changes introduced since the transition, and AFIDEP’s vision for strengthening this important governance initiative. 🎥 Watch Dr Oronje share insights into the Scorecard’s evolution and its future. #AII13 #AfricaIntegrityIndicators #IntegrityNarratives #GovernanceInAfrica #Accountability

SPEAKER SPOTLIGHT | Dr Alex Nester Jiya Dr Alex Nester Jiya, is AFIDEP’s Research and Policy Analyst and Acting Lead of the Governance and Accountability Theme, whose work focuses on democratic governance, public policy, institutional development, and evidence-informed decision-making. Alex brings diverse experience in policy and governance research, data analysis, financial compliance, and institutional accountability. He also served as a United Nations Volunteer on the UN E-Government Surveys in 2022, 2024, and 2026. He holds a PhD and an MSc in Governance and Regional Integration from the Pan-African University Institute of Governance, Humanities and Social Sciences, alongside a Bachelor of Social Science in Economics from the University of Malawi. With a strong passion for data and strengthening transparency and oversight systems, Alex brings valuable expertise to conversations on building resilient institutions and advancing democratic governance in Africa. Register through bit.ly/47zRcJs to join the conversation on strengthening accountability and democratic governance in Africa. #AII13 #AfricaIntegrityIndicators #IntegrityNarratives #GovernanceInAfrica #Accountability

How can Malawi turn policy commitments into tangible economic progress? As the country pursues economic recovery and transformation, the focus must shift beyond policy formulation to effective implementation, institutional accountability and reforms that deliver meaningful results. At the high-level 2026 Economics Association of Malawi (ECAMA) Annual Economic Conference, taking place on 29–30 October at Sunbird Nkopola in Mangochi, AFIDEP Executive Director Dr Eliya Msiyaphazi Zulu will contribute to discussions on prioritising reforms for Malawi’s economic recovery and transformation. Held under the theme “From Policy to Practice: Making Reforms Work,” the conference will bring together policymakers, economists, private sector leaders, civil society and development partners to explore practical solutions for advancing inclusive and sustainable economic growth. Read more: afidep.org/event/afidep-at-t… #ECAMA2026 #AFIDEP #EvidenceInformedPolicy #EconomicTransformation #Malawi2063

SPEAKER SPOTLIGHT | CPA Joseph Tulula CPA Joseph Tulula, Deputy Director of Internal Audit and Risk Assurance, will be a speaker at the upcoming High-Level Dialogue on Public Institutions and Oversight in Africa. With over 25 years of experience in auditing, finance and management, CPA Tulula brings extensive expertise in risk management, internal control systems and the implementation of computerised financial systems. He holds a Master of Arts in Economics and a Bachelor of Commerce in Accounting from the University of Nairobi. He is also a member of the Institute of Certified Public Accountants of Kenya (ICPAK) and the Institute of Internal Auditors of Kenya. Register through bit.ly/47zRcJs to join the conversation on strengthening accountability and democratic governance in Africa. #AII13 #AfricaIntegrityIndicators #IntegrityNarratives #GovernanceInAfrica #Accountability

SPEAKER SPOTLIGHT | Arvind K. Jain Arvind K. Jain, Senior Economist/Statistician at the @WorldBankGroup and Task Team Leader for the Worldwide Governance Indicators (WGI) project, will be a speaker at the upcoming High-Level Dialogue on Public Institutions and Oversight in Africa. Arvind leads one of the leading global initiatives for measuring national governance. His experience at the World Bank includes managing firm-level surveys in diverse contexts, including fragile and conflict-affected states, and producing analytical reports to inform policy and decision-making. Before joining the World Bank in 2008, he worked as a statistician at the RAND Corporation, focusing on project evaluation and statistical analysis. He holds a Master’s degree in Biostatistics from the University of Michigan. Register through bit.ly/47zRcJs to join the conversation on strengthening accountability and democratic governance in Africa. #AII13 #AfricaIntegrityIndicators #IntegrityNarratives #GovernanceInAfrica #Accountability

SPEAKER SPOTLIGHT | Dr Cleopatra Mugyenyi Dr Cleopatra Mugyenyi, AFIDEP’s Director of Sustainable Growth and Governance and Head of the Kenya Office, will be a speaker at the upcoming High-Level Dialogue on Public Institutions and Oversight in Africa. With over 20 years of experience in research, programme leadership and policy across Africa, Dr Mugyenyi has led more than 30 research, policy and capacity-strengthening projects. Her expertise spans governance and accountability, gender equality, youth development, social inclusion and health systems strengthening. She brings extensive experience in building strategic partnerships, advancing evidence-informed advocacy and developing practical solutions to complex development challenges. Register through bit.ly/47zRcJs to join the conversation on strengthening accountability and democratic governance in Africa. #AII13 #AfricaIntegrityIndicators #IntegrityNarratives #GovernanceInAfrica #Accountability

After months of research, analysis, and review, the wait is almost over. Tomorrow, we launch: Africa Integrity Indicators Round 13 Data and Integrity Narratives 2026 New evidence. New insights. New questions about governance and accountability across Africa. One day to go! Register through bit.ly/47zRcJs to join the conversation on strengthening accountability and democratic governance in Africa. #AII13 #AfricaIntegrityIndicators #IntegrityNarratives #GovernanceInAfrica #Accountability

SPEAKER SPOTLIGHT | Dr. Rose Oronje Dr Rose Oronje, Deputy Executive Director and Head of Programmes at the African Institute for Development Policy (AFIDEP), will be a speaker at the upcoming High-Level Dialogue on Public Institutions and Oversight in Africa. With over 20 years of experience in development policy and strategic communications, Dr Oronje has led initiatives that have strengthened the use of research evidence in policymaking, supported legislative reforms and advanced more effective public spending across Africa. Her work has contributed to institutionalising evidence use in government agencies in Kenya, Malawi, Nigeria and Uganda, as well as strengthening parliamentary independence and domestic health financing. Register through bit.ly/47zRcJs to join the conversation on strengthening accountability and democratic governance in Africa. #AII13 #AfricaIntegrityIndicators #IntegrityNarratives #GovernanceInAfrica #Accountability

SPEAKER SPOTLIGHT | Dr Mary Muyonga Dr Mary Muyonga, a population scientist and demographer, will be a speaker at the upcoming High-Level Dialogue on Public Institutions and Oversight in Africa.  An alumna of the University of Nairobi’s Population Studies and Research Institute, Dr. Muyonga brings extensive experience in migration research, democratic governance and social policy programming across East, West and Southern Africa.  Her work also explores how emerging technologies and computational social science can strengthen population intelligence and evidence-informed decision-making. She has collaborated with UN agencies, the World Bank and academic research institutions, supporting multi-country programmes and evidence-based approaches to development. Register through bit.ly/47zRcJs to join the conversation on strengthening accountability and democratic governance in Africa. #AII13 #AfricaIntegrityIndicators #IntegrityNarratives #GovernanceInAfrica #Accountability

SPEAKER SPOTLIGHT | Yvonne Achieng Abungu Yvonne Achieng Abungu, Managing Partner of Y.A. Abungu Advocates and co-founder of Cyber Guardian Global, will be a speaker at the upcoming High-Level Dialogue on Public Institutions and Oversight in Africa. An Advocate of the High Court of Kenya, Yvonne combines legal expertise with technology-driven approaches to governance. She also serves as East Africa Coordinator of Pocket Lawyers, expanding access to justice through legal technology. She led the team that won the Code for Democracy hackathon with KWELI, a solution designed to promote citizen participation in governance, and mentors young innovators through Nuru Trust Network. Register through bit.ly/47zRcJs to join the conversation on strengthening accountability and democratic governance in Africa. #AII13 #AfricaIntegrityIndicators #IntegrityNarratives #GovernanceInAfrica #Accountability

SPEAKER SPOTLIGHT | Caroline Gaita Caroline Gaita, Executive Director of Mzalendo Trust, Kenya’s premier Parliamentary Monitoring Organisation, will be a speaker at the upcoming High-Level Dialogue on Public Institutions and Oversight in Africa. With over 20 years of experience in strategic communication, governance, and development, Caroline has championed policy change, political participation, legislative transparency, and public accountability. She also chairs the Africa Parliamentary Monitoring Organisations Network (APMON) and serves as the Open Government Partnership Civil Society Focal Point, bringing valuable insights into strengthening citizen engagement and institutional accountability. Register through bit.ly/47zRcJs to join the conversation on strengthening accountability and democratic governance in Africa. #AII13 #Accountability #AfricaIntegrityIndicators #IntegrityNarratives #GovernanceInAfrica

KEYNOTE SPEAKER SPOTLIGHT | John Githongo John Githongo, a renowned anti-corruption practitioner, CEO of John Githongo & Associates, and publisher of The Elephant, will be a Keynote Speaker at the upcoming High-Level Dialogue on Public Institutions and Oversight in Africa. With 33 years of experience in anti-corruption, governance, and strategic advisory work, John has held influential roles in Kenya and internationally, including Permanent Secretary for Governance and Ethics in Kenya’s Office of the President and CEO of Transparency International Kenya. A recipient of the 2022 Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani International Anti-Corruption Excellence Award for Lifetime Achievement, he brings extensive experience in promoting integrity, transparency and accountable governance. Register through bit.ly/47zRcJs to join the conversation on strengthening accountability and democratic governance in Africa. Register through bit.ly/47zRcJs to join the conversation on strengthening accountability and democratic governance in Africa. #AII13 #AfricaIntegrityIndicators #IntegrityNarratives #GovernanceInAfrica #Accountability

Africa’s development future depends on bold, evidence-driven choices. In case you missed it! Our Newsletter explores emerging issues shaping that future, from advancing sustainable health financing, strengthening evidence-informed policymaking, and driving integrated climate and health action. Discover the insights, partnerships and stories from across our work, and the progress we are building together. Read the newsletter: bit.ly/3WGpmc4