The Joint Songwe River Basin Commission (SONGWECOM) convened a virtual meeting of the Joint Technical Experts (JTE) from the Republic of Malawi and the United Republic of Tanzania to harmonise proposed amendments to the Commission’s key operational manuals. The meeting formed part of SONGWECOM’s continued efforts to strengthen institutional governance, enhance operational efficiency and promote accountability in the management of the shared Songwe River Basin.

The session was officially opened by the Executive Secretary of SONGWECOM, followed by opening remarks from the Co-Chair of the Joint Technical Experts from the United Republic of Tanzania. The meeting was attended by representatives from Malawi, Tanzania and the SONGWECOM Secretariat, who participated in discussions aimed at improving the Commission’s institutional systems and procedures.

The meeting focused on reviewing and harmonising proposed amendments to three key operational instruments of the Commission, namely the Human Resources Management and Administration Procedures Manual, the Procurement and Disposal of Assets Manual, and the Financial Management Manual.

The review process was aimed at ensuring that SONGWECOM continues to operate in line with international best practices and principles of good governance, transparency, accountability, and sound financial management. It was noted that the proposed amendments would strengthen the Commission’s capacity to effectively deliver its mandate of promoting sustainable and equitable management, development and utilisation of the water resources of the Songwe River Basin for the benefit of communities in Malawi and Tanzania.

The harmonisation of the operational manuals was recognised as an important milestone in SONGWECOM’s institutional development, supporting the strengthening of administrative, procurement and financial systems required for the implementation of strategic programmes and investments across the basin. These include initiatives related to water resources management, climate resilience, infrastructure development, environmental conservation, and socio-economic development.

The outcomes of the meeting would contribute to the finalisation of the revised operational manuals, which would subsequently be submitted for consideration and approval through SONGWECOM’s established governance structures.