Consultative Dialogue between the Southern Africa Trust and Civil Society
Organisations in Madagascar
Hilton Hotel, Antananarivo, Madagascar 5 September 2007
A consultative dialogue between the Southern Africa Trust and civil society organisations in
Madagascar was held on 5 September 2007 at Hilton Hotel, Antananarivo, Madagascar. The dialogue which was attended by 24 associations; 6 local NGOs; 17 media personnel and other government officials, had the following objectives:
- to introduce the work of the Southern Africa Trust to civil society organisations and key government personnel in Madagascar;
- to discuss possible areas of collaboration;
- to understand the dynamics of CSOs in Madagascar so as to enable the Trust to respond effectively to their needs; and
- to introduce the Drivers of Change Award to Malagasy stakeholders.
In welcoming the participants to the consultative dialogue, the President of the Plate-forme Nationale des Organisations de la Société Civile du Madagascar, Mme Randriamampionona Lalao, whose organisation co-hosted the dialogue with the Trust, noted the need for a civil society that is organised and vibrant so as to engage in development issues.
In her introductory remarks, the Southern Africa Trust, Communications and Partnerships Manager, Mrs Petronilla Ndebele, noted that government, business and civil society organisations should not work in isolation but collectively in the formulation and implementation of public policies.
Officially opening the consultative dialogue, the Minister of Economy, Planning, Private Sector and Trade of Madagascar, Mr. RANDRIARIMANANA Harison, acknowledged the importance of regional integration which can be a key force for sustainable development. The Minister noted that regional integration can promote economic growth, reduce poverty, foster social development or protect environment. But, it can also have a negative economic and social impact, notably when the domestic regulatory framework is inadequate or not implemented effectively. He also noted that SADC is committed to deepening the integration process amongst its members and has adopted the Regional Indicative Strategic Development Plan (RISDP) in order to provide strategic direction in the design and formulation of SADC programmes, projects and activities. He however, called for public debates to be organised to find out if non-state actors are in favour of integration.
1. Discussion: Key Issues
- The relationship between civil society and government seems to be good in Madagascar. All the contacts made with some government officials and the Plate-forme has shown that there is space for civil society participation in the government’s activities.
- In the past, civil society organisations have been involved in government policy formulation process such as in the development of the Madagascar Action Plan (MAP).
- The SADC National Committee can serve as a framework to enhance civil society organisations in regional processes.
- The Plate-forme was established in 2005. It needs assistance in order to really serve as a framework for consultation among civil society organisations.
- There is an urgent need for the Plate-forme and civil society organisations in Madagascar for capacity building.
- The national process for the SADC Poverty and Development Conference has not started. There is a need for assistance in the preparation of this process.
- Civil society organisations in Madagascar are isolated from other civil society organisations in the SADC region.
2. Potential Areas of Collaboration between the Trust and CSOs in Madagascar:
- Support the national process towards preparation for the SADC Poverty and Development Conference.
- PRSP mapping in SADC countries.
- Looking at the best practices civil society organisations use to influence policy processes;
- Grant-making to appropriate civil society initiatives.
- Ensure that civil society organisations use the good relationship with government to foster poverty reduction agenda in Madagascar.
- Make needs assessment in terms of capacity building in order to design a strategic plan for Madagascar.
- Link Madagascar Plate-forme of NGOs with the SADC – NGOs to improve its participation in the regional activities.
- Ensure that the SADC national Committee is really operational and include civil society and other stakeholders.
3. Meetings with the Government of Madagascar
The Trust delegation accompanied by PFNOSCM President met on the 4 September 2007 with the following government officials to discuss cooperation between the government and civil society organisations;
- Mr. RANDRIARIMANANA Harison, Minister of Economy, Planning, Private Sector and Trade;
- Prof. Raymond RAMANDIMBILAHATRA, Political Advisor to the President of Madagascar;
- Dr. Ivohasina Fizara RAZAFIMAHEFA, Director of Economic Affairs, Presidency of the Republic of Madagascar and Secretary General of Madagascar Action Plan (MAP);
- Dr RASOARANTO Myriam, Director, General Social Protection (Ministry of Health);
- Mrs. JUSTIN Marie-Angeline, Plenipotentiary Minister, Director of Regional Co-operation, (Ministry of Foreign Affairs) and office for the SADC National Committee,
- Mr.Lionel Nariniaina RATSIRIMPADY, SADC national Committee (Ministry of Foreign Affairs);
- Mr. Marcel RAMAHAVITA, Director, Social Protection (Ministry of Health).
Officials from the government of Madagascar welcomed the Trust’s engagement in Madagascar and encouraged the Trust to support the civil society in that country. This will enable civil society organisations in Madagascar to be actively engaged in policy processes at both the national and regional levels.
