TI Zambia, which has been running the first ALAC in Africa since December 2007, played host to a workshop, which saw TI representatives from Ethiopia, Ghana, Kenya, Mozambique, Nigeria, Rwanda and Zimbabwe attend to learn from the Zambian experience.

A large media presence covered the start of the workshop, which included a keynote speech by the Attorney General of Zambia, who noted that the effects of corruption are far-reaching and disastrous. Reuben Lifuka, President of TI Zambia and newly elected TI Board member, took part in the proceedings, as well as Goodwell Lungu, TI Zambia’s Executive Director, who spoke of how ALACs can unearth information that can help public agencies investigate cases of grand corruption, in addition to providing a valuable service to Zambian citizens.

True to its history and geography, Azerbaijan showed itself to be a meeting point for people from Asia and Europe. TI participants from Fiji, Georgia, Mongolia, Pakistan, Papua New Guinea, Russia and Vanuatu gathered for the ALAC workshop, the sheer diversity of which ensured a lively exchange of ideas and experience.

The workshop was conducted in TI Azerbaijan’s Baku office, which serves as the centre for five regional ALACs spread around Azerbaijan. Under the leadership of Rena Safaraliyeva, TI Azerbaijan’s Executive Director, the ALAC operation has become central to the chapter’s work. Not only has the chapter grown in visibility, but it has been recognised as a strategic partner in the government’s anti-corruption strategy.

Almost a year after launching the first ALAC in the Americas, Accion Ciudadana, the TI chapter in Guatemala, welcomed TI representatives from Argentina, Bolivia, Colombia, Costa Rica, Panama, Uruguay and Venezuela to discuss and reflect on its experiences.

The workshop underlined the courage and energy of the Guatemalan ALAC team –Ana Castro, Manfredo Marroquin, Liza Noriega and Alejandro Urizar – who work in a tough environment to provide such a service. The participants benefitted from hearing about the challenges the chapter has encountered and many innovative ideas for improvement, particularly as some of the workshop participants are set to open ALACs in the coming months.

Many of the new ALACs will be established as part of the DFID-funded Global Transparency Fund project.