Latest news with #policy
Zawya
an hour ago
- Politics
- Zawya
Afrobarometer trains African Peer Review Mechanism staff in data analysis and use to strengthen evidence-based policy making
Afrobarometer ( has concluded a two-day workshop aimed at equipping staff at the African Peer Review Mechanism (APRM) with foundational skills in accessing and analysing public attitude data. The training brought together APRM researchers for hands-on sessions on analysing Afrobarometer data and exploring how citizen attitudes can inform national governance reviews and reform priorities. The workshop, held on 24-25 July in Midrand, forms part of Afrobarometer's partnership ( with the APRM to improve collaboration on governance data, monitoring, and evidence-based policy making across Africa. The goal is to boost the availability and use of citizen-centred data by aligning Afrobarometer's public opinion research with APRM governance monitoring tools such as the Africa Governance Index and National Programmes of Action. Participants were introduced to Afrobarometer's data-collection methodology and received comprehensive practical training on accessing and interpreting Afrobarometer data using its free online data analysis tool ( Through interactive exercises and real-world case studies, the training explored how insights into citizens' experiences and expectations can be applied to enhance policy proposals, strategy development, and review processes. Dominique Dryding, Afrobarometer capacity building manager (basic track), noted that the workshop aims to promote a culture of evidence-based policy engagement rooted in citizen data and public accountability. 'The collaboration with APRM highlights a growing recognition of the critical role of citizen voices in African governance. By equipping participants with tools to access and apply public attitude data, the training aims to foster stronger, more accountable institutions,' she said. APRM chief of staff, Damien Thesee, stressed the strong links between APRM's policy mission and Afrobarometer's public attitude data. 'This capacity building session on how to read, analyse, and incorporate Afrobarometer data is timely because it aligns with our 2025-2028 strategic plan's objectives of institutional strengthening and capacity development through the '3 Ps' of professionalism, performance, and probity,' he said. 'Our vision is to equip staff with the necessary skills and knowledge to be able to execute our tasks effectively and ensure that there is increased productivity and improved performance, as well as enhanced satisfaction from our AU member states.' Participants also lauded the practical impact of the workshop. 'This training has presented us with an opportunity to start using Afrobarometer data, which is helpful because it is current and communicates the perceptions of citizens,' said Peter Katwesige, APRM monitoring and evaluation officer. Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Afrobarometer. For more information, please contact: Communications coordinator for Southern Africa Asafika Mpako Telephone: +2783 979 8299 Email: ampako@ Social Media: Facebook X LinkedIn YouTube Instagram WhatsApp Bluesky Visit us online at Follow our releases on #VoicesAfrica. About Afrobarometer: Afrobarometer (AB) is a trusted source of high-quality data and analysis on what Africans are thinking. With an unmatched track record of 430,000+ interviews in 43 countries, representing the views of more than 75% of the African population, AB is leading the charge to bridge the continent's data gap. AB data inform many global indices, such as the Ibrahim Index of African Governance, Transparency International's Global Corruption Barometer, and the World Bank's Worldwide Governance Indicators. The data are also used for country risk analyses and by credit rating and forecasting agencies such as the Economist Intelligence Unit. All AB data sets are publicly available on the website ( and may be analysed free of charge using AB's online data analysis tool (
Yahoo
a day ago
- Business
- Yahoo
Canada slips in mining rankings, but is still home to 2 of world's top 10 most attractive jurisdictions
Saskatchewan and Newfoundland and Labrador are among the top 10 jurisdictions in the world for mining investments, according to an annual report released Tuesday by a Canadian think tank. Finland ranks as the most attractive jurisdiction for mining investment, followed by four states in the United States, according to the Vancouver-based Fraser Institute's Annual Survey of Mining Companies. 'Overall, we see there's significant room for improvement in the policy environment (in Canada),' said Elmira Aliakbari, director of natural resource studies at the Fraser Institute and one of the report's authors. About 350 mining professionals responded to the survey, which was conducted between August and December last year, and they were asked various questions about taxation regimes, environmental protections, labour availability and other topics. About 40 per cent of the respondents worked for exploration companies, 32 per cent for mining companies and the remainder identified as consultants or as other. Last year, four Canadian provinces ranked amongst the world's top 10 jurisdictions, compared to only two this year: Saskatchewan was seventh and Newfoundland and Labrador was eighth. Aliakbari said the decline is mainly due to policy uncertainty, particularly around environmental protections and disputed land claims with indigenous groups. For example, Saskatchewan dropped to seventh on the overall 'Investment Attractiveness Index' after ranking third in 2024 and second in 2023. The report said 'respondents expressed increased concerns over the province's taxation regime, regulatory duplication and inconsistencies, and uncertainty concerning environmental regulations. Ontario dropped in the rankings for the second year in a row, to 15th from 10th last year, because of increased concerns about its taxation regime, labour regulations and political stability. Quebec had an even bigger drop, to 22 from fifth last year, because of increased concerns over taxation, regulatory duplication and its legal system. Aliakbari said British Columbia has 'significant room for improvement' even though it moved up in ranking to 12th from 25th last year. That's because it has geological potential that it isn't fully realizing, she said. Similarly, she said Yukon scores well when assessing its geological potential, but that's not necessarily reflected in its overall investment ranking of 24th because there's a poor perception of its policy environment. 'It means these jurisdictions have failed to capitalize on their mineral potential,' she said. Canadian provinces aren't the only jurisdictions that moved down. Last year, Utah was tops, but it dropped to 11th, with respondents citing increased uncertainty over disputed land claims as well as trade barriers. The Republic of Ireland ranked highest in terms of how mining professionals perceive its policy environment, but a comparatively lower ranking on its geological potential put its overall investment ranking at No. 23. Canada has potential to be a global mining leader, says PwC Mark Carney's import curbs put Canadian steel first Finland ranked second on policy perception, which, when combined with a strong geological potential, placed it first in the overall investment ranking. Since the survey ended, Mark Carney has been elected Canada's prime minister, and the federal government as well as several provinces have passed legislation that could accelerate the timeline and regulatory requirements for major projects such as large mines. Aliakbari said those changes could be reflected in next year's report. For now, she said, respondents, broadly speaking, continued to cite policy uncertainty around environmental protections, disputed land claims and taxation as major barriers to making more mining investments in Canada. 'We see investors continue to cite policy uncertainty as a key deterrent,' Aliakbari said. • Email: gfriedman@
E&E News
2 days ago
- Politics
- E&E News
Markups and hearings for July 28 – Aug. 1
Below is a list of House and Senate hearings and markups relevant to energy and environment policy. MONDAY, JULY 28, 2025 —HOUSE— Advertisement —SENATE—
Washington Post
2 days ago
- Business
- Washington Post
The tough task of selling Trump's ‘Big Beautiful Bill' falls to JD Vance
CANTON, Ohio — Vice President JD Vance on Monday brought his fight to shape the president's signature tax-and-border bill in the eyes of a skeptical public to friendly terrain, making his second pitch this month to workers in a Rust Belt state that the massive, unpopular policy package is a win for working Americans.
CTV News
2 days ago
- Politics
- CTV News
Windsor adopts new rules for flag raisings
Windsor city council has approved a new policy that changes how requests for ceremonial flag raisings will be handled at city hall. The revised rules mean the city will now largely follow the lead of the federal and provincial governments — only approving flag raisings tied to nationally or provincially recognized days of awareness, or organizations that have a direct partnership or funding agreement with the City of Windsor. Alongside the updated flag policy, council also voted to eliminate the city's proclamation and illumination programs — which allowed residents or groups to request official proclamations or to have city hall lit in specific colours to mark causes or events. The changes were approved Monday, with councillors Kieran McKenzie, Fred Francis, and Angelo Marignani voting against. 'I've participated in many of the flag-raising ceremonies, and the sense of pride that you get and the feeling the residents have that they are part of our team, I think is really important,' said Marignani during the meeting. 'We need to represent the people, and that is 100 per cent of the people.' Francis argued he saw no need to change the current policy. City administration brought forward the updated policy citing the time and effort staff spend reviewing each request — and the reputational risk if one slips through, that later causes controversy. The proposed changes first appeared on council's agenda in May, prompting concerns from members of Windsor's 2SLGBTQIA+ community who feared it could impact the rainbow flag being raised during Windsor-Essex Pride Fest — a city-sponsored event. Derrick Biso, Director of Education and Operations for Trans Wellness Ontario, attended that May meeting, where the matter was ultimately deferred so administration could clarify its intent. When the revised policy came back this week, it made the allowance for special flag requests tied to city-funded organizations or recognized civic events clearer — something Biso acknowledged. 'I do appreciate the change in direction. I don't think [a new policy] is necessary per se. However, I can understand the reasoning, the logic, the rationale that they're going with,' he said. Mayor Drew Dilkens said the new approach adds clarity and brings Windsor in line with other levels of government. 'Recognizing that our city clerk's office — they're not diplomats trained to be working in diplomatic affairs and understanding all of the international relations that our country or province would have,' he said. He added that it also reduces the risk of the city inadvertently making the wrong call. 'I think this is a sensible and appropriate policy change that at least allows us to be in a defensible position and not offside with our nation.' According to city data, 425 requests have been made for flag raisings, proclamations, or illumination since the current policy was first adopted. Of those, 345 were approved, 79 denied and one withdrawn. Going forward, residents wishing to request a flag raising can apply online or pick up a form at city hall.
