Tilitonse Foundation to support urban governance projects in Malawi
Tilitonse Foundation has launched a thematic call for project proposals from non-state actors who will demonstrate creativity and innovation in addressing issues affecting urban governance and management.
The call has been made based on the findings of a Political-Economy-Analysis study the foundation undertook in March-April, 2019.
Speaking during the information and guidance session in Lilongwe Wednesday, Tilitonse Foundation Chief Executive Officer (CEO), Robert White, described urban governance and management as critical to socio-economic development in Malawi though largely ignored and underserved.
“The thematic call focuses on three areas namely, institutional change, local governance, and building and strengthening of active citizenship,” White stated.
White added that one key feature of the thematic call is its emphasis on collaboration and partnership based on expertise, relevance and comparative advantage.
“Let me emphasize on the need to avoid marriages of convenience in partnerships as this has proven to be one of the stumbling blocks to effective implementation of projects under the thematic call,” urged White.
Tilitonse Foundation Board Chairperson, Desmond Kaunda, explained that the session would create space to discuss the call, rationale, and technical know-how on successful application of proposals.
“We have a growing urban population in Malawi which has implications on social services and planning, outstripping the councils’ capacity to handle the pressure.
Urban centres offer potential and opportunities for economic hubs that, if properly harnessed, would link with rural economies to facilitate economic growth which is good for the country,” said Kaunda.
Tilitonse Foundation is a locally registered grant-making facility established in 2016 to take over the role that Tilitonse Pogramme played from 2011 to 2017.
