Commune Haho 1: “Haho 1 on the Move – Participatory Budgeting and Stakeholder Engagement for a Better Future”

The participatory budgeting practice of Commune Haho 1 involved engaging citizens in decision-making on the use of public resources to improve local governance and respond to the essential needs of communities. Through this practice, more than 5,000 people participated in the participatory budgeting process, enabling citizens’ priorities to be reflected in local public policies.

The results include a 30% increase in citizen satisfaction with public resource management and a 25% improvement in transparency and accountability. The practice was implemented through a multi-stakeholder steering committee involving local authorities, civil society organisations, and citizens. Monitoring and evaluation mechanisms ensured transparency and accountability, including periodic reports and financial audits.

Partnerships with local authorities, civil society, and development partners helped mobilise resources and complementary expertise, strengthening the legitimacy and sustainability of the practice. The initiative aligns with cross-cutting policies such as the local development strategy and the local governance action plan.

The major innovation lies in institutionalising a participatory budget debate and co-construction of investment priorities, including a formalised framework for dialogue with all stakeholders. Commune Haho 1 has demonstrated its commitment to participatory democracy and local governance, providing an inspiring example for other territories.

The practice has helped strengthen citizens’ trust in public institutions and promote a culture of civic participation. In summary, Commune Haho 1’s participatory budgeting practice has strengthened local governance, improved transparency and accountability, and created a reproducible model of participatory democracy, contributing to the institutionalisation and sustainability of inclusive governance in Haho 1. We are proud to share our experience and invite others to follow our example for more inclusive and accountable governance.

For more information, visit: https://haho1.mairie.tg