“Follow The Money” founder to speak on anti-corruption, governance at African Union dialogue

The Founder of Connected Development (CODE), Hamzat Lawal, is expected to speak at the African Union – African Governance Architecture (AU-AGA) 2018 High-Level Dialogue (HLD) on Democracy, Human Rights and Governance in Africa.

The event, with the theme; “Winning The Fight Against Corruption: A Sustainable Path To Africa’s Transformation” will hold between November 28th and 30th in Gaborone, Botswana.

Hamzat will share his experiences and results leading the largest social accountability movement in Africa, using innovative “Follow The Money” methodology and work process.

“In many respects, the work we do is challenging and unique in the civic space,” Hamzat said in a statement signed by Kolo Kenneth Kadiri, Communications Lead at CODE.

“But because I am convinced that Africa may not escape poor governance and poverty without a citizens-response to the scourge of corruption, my team at CODE are emboldened and energized.

“I am proud that our efforts, contributions and commitments to a corrupt-free continent is gaining momentum and recognition and we have since put our theory of change and work process in public domain for adoption by young campaigners/activists across the continent, this meeting is one of such”.

“In the HLD at Gaborone, Botswana, I am expected to provoke debate on the role of citizens, media, open-government and community-based organisations in sustaining anti-corruption efforts in the continent, drawing from Follow The Money initiative.

“Specifically, I will provide insights into our methodology; its impacts, challenges and prospects for mainstreaming transparency and accountability in government systems as it affect public spending on service delivery in rural grassroots communities,” Lawal stressed.

Founded in 2012, “Follow The Money” had mobilized and empowered millions of Africans, especially in the grassroots, on holding public/elected officials accountable and answerable.

Earlier this year, the African Union during its 30th Assembly of Heads of State and Government held in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, declared 2018 as the African Anti-Corruption year.

To achieve its fight against corruption, African Union is mobilizing resources, commitments and partnerships across stakeholders and actors, government and non-governmental organisations, to eliminate corruption as the regions pre-eminent obstacle to economic development and prosperity.

This dialogue will bring Heads of State and government representatives, civil society groups, the media at the Gaborone International Conference Centre in Gaborone, Botswana.

It will be officiated by H.E Dr. Mogkweetsi E.K. Masisi, President of the Republic of Botswana; H.E Dr. Hage Geingob, President of the Republic of Namibia; H.E Thabo Mbeki, Former President of the Republic of South Africa; H.E Ellen Johnson Sirleaf, Former President of the Republic of Liberia; and H.E Ngozi Okonjo Iweala, Former Finance Minister of Nigeria and Chair, African Risk Capacity.

Other dignitaries confirmed to speak include, Prime Minister of Lesotho, H.E Motsoahae Thomas Thabane; President Paul Kagame of Rwanda; Mokgweetsi Masisi, President Hage Geingob of Namibia and President Muhammadu Buhari of Nigeria; among other incumbent and former Heads of Government.