IMPACT

We are an independent, global organization working with communities to transform natural resource governance.

[IMPACT @IMPACTtransform]

In 2025, the Regional Project to Contribute to the Improvement of Mineral Resources Governance in the Great Lakes Region funded by @UEauBurundi, supported the @_ICGLR_ and its Member States to strengthen regional mineral governance.
Read the results: https://t.co/hgXwTl2NUi

[IMPACT @IMPACTtransform]

📢 Our 2025–2026 Annual Report, Unearthing Possibilities, is out!

As @IMPACTtransform marks 40 years of working alongside communities, we reflect on a year of progress and partnership.

Read the report: https://t.co/TycfBcJFDT

[International Conference on the Great Lakes Region @_ICGLR_]

Addressing the Committee, ICGLR Executive Secretary Dr Mubita Luwabelwa underscored that responsible mineral governance is essential to ensuring that the Great Lakes Region's natural resources contribute meaningfully to employment, investment, regional integration and improved livelihoods.
In this context, he called for a comprehensive assessment of the Regional Certification Mechanism (RCM), taking stock of its achievements, implementation challenges and areas requiring improvement. He further emphasised the importance of credible third-party audits and reliable regional mineral data to strengthen transparency, accountability and evidence-based decision-making.
@UEauBurundi @IMPACTtransform #GIZ

[International Conference on the Great Lakes Region @_ICGLR_]

https://t.co/dEynkWxJDQ

[International Conference on the Great Lakes Region @_ICGLR_]

Day 2 of the 33rd ICGLR Regional Committee Meeting in Lusaka 🇿🇲 focused on progress in implementing the Regional Initiative against the Illegal Exploitation of Natural Resources (RINR), with discussions on
✳️Mineral certification
✳️Traceability
✳️Data management and
✳️Regional cooperation.

[International Conference on the Great Lakes Region @_ICGLR_]

H.E Dr. Mubita Luwabelwa, Executive Secretary of the ICGLR, urged delegates to strengthen implementation of the Regional Initiative against the Illegal Exploitation of Natural Resources and its Regional Certification Mechanism.

The Great Lakes Region's mineral resources hold considerable potential for economic growth, employment, and development. Yet weak governance, illegal exploitation, and illicit trade continue to threaten peace and security.

🎉As the region approaches the 20th anniversary of the Pact on Security, Stability and Development in December 2026, the meeting is a chance to take stock of progress and identify outstanding challenges. Dr. Luwabelwa encouraged delegates to focus on practical lessons and actions capable of delivering measurable progress.

Participants are exchanging views on practical approaches to certification, traceability, data management, peer review, and compliance, as well as the roles of governments, industry, and civil society in building credible mineral governance systems. The aim is to adapt useful practices to the realities of mineral production and trade in the Great Lakes Region.
The outcomes of these discussions will help inform the Meeting of Ministers in Charge of Mines on 11 October 2026.

[International Conference on the Great Lakes Region @_ICGLR_]

In June 2026, the Regional Committee approved the revised RINR, which was a significant step since the 32nd Regional Committee Meeting in Gitega, Burundi, in April 2026.
The 33rd meeting in Lusaka presents the opportunity to assess implementation of the RINR's six tools, review progress against national roadmaps, and agree on practical measures to address remaining gaps.
The focus is on turning regional commitments into effective implementation across Member States.

👉The revised RINR Evaluation Report is now available, providing insights into progress, challenges and opportunities for strengthening responsible mineral governance in the Great Lakes Region.

🔗 Read the report: https://t.co/UPcFz67T78

[International Conference on the Great Lakes Region @_ICGLR_]

Welcoming delegates to Lusaka, Mr. Anthony Chilengi, Acting Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Mines and Minerals Development, Republic of Zambia, and guest of honour, reaffirmed Zambia's commitment to addressing the illegal exploitation of natural resources and strengthening responsible mineral governance.
In his opening remarks, he outlined measures being advanced nationally, including:

✅Establishing a dedicated Department for Artisanal and Small-Scale Mining to strengthen formalisation, regulation, and support for the sector.
✅Strengthening inspections and monitoring through the Minerals Regulation Commission.
✅Introducing a mineral tagging and traceability system to improve accountability and track minerals from mine sites to export.

Mr Chilengi emphasised that countries cannot address illegal mineral exploitation and illicit mineral flows independently, given the cross-border nature of mineral supply chains. Stronger cooperation, information sharing, and coordinated action among Member States remain central to the regional response.

[International Conference on the Great Lakes Region @_ICGLR_]

The 33rd Meeting of the ICGLR Regional Committee against the Illegal Exploitation of Natural Resources officially opens today in Lusaka, Zambia.
From 8–10 October 2026, representatives of ICGLR Member States are convening to review progress and strengthen regional cooperation against the illegal exploitation of natural resources in the Great Lakes Region.

The meeting will examine progress in implementing the Regional Initiative against the Illegal Exploitation of Natural Resources (RINR), identify gaps requiring further action, and consider measures to strengthen mineral governance at national and regional levels.
Discussions will also inform the Meeting of Ministers in Charge of Mines scheduled for 12 October 2026.

The meeting is funded by @UEauBurundi, through the Regional Project to Contribute to the Improvement of Mineral Resources Governance in the Great Lakes Region, implemented by @IMPACTtransform within the framework of the European Union’s Peace and Security Programme.

#GreatLakesRegion #MineralGovernance

[IMPACT @IMPACTtransform]

📢 Attending the EITI Global Conference in Brussels this week?
Join @IMPACTtransform's Executive Director, Joanne Lebert, on Friday, 9 October at 14:00 as she shares insights from our work in #DRCongo’s cobalt supply chain. Be part of the conversation!

[planetGOLD Uganda @planetGOLD_UG]

2/2 Monica's voice was part of a powerful conversation on women’s advances in ASGM, including the barriers women face and the opportunities to strengthen their participation and economic empowerment.

[IMPACT @IMPACTtransform]

In our latest In Focus issue, we feature insights from @scaldron, @IMPACTtransform's Campaign Director based in Canada, on the growing push for beneficial ownership transparency.
Read more➡️: https://t.co/1VFHWoyERb

[planetGOLD Uganda @planetGOLD_UG]

1/2 From Tiira, Busia to the global stage!

Ugandan miner Monica brought the realities, experiences and perspectives of women in artisanal and small-scale gold mining to the 2026 planetGOLD Global Forum in Panama.

🎥 Catch the Forum highlights
https://t.co/jENZ53zVB4

[planetGOLD Uganda @planetGOLD_UG]

The team from Uganda joins stakeholders from across the world to share experiences, exchange knowledge and explore practical solutions for a safer, cleaner and more responsible gold sector.

#MakeMercuryHistory

[planetGOLD Uganda @planetGOLD_UG]

This afternoon at the #planetGOLD2026 Forum, @planetGOLD_UG Project Manager Emilian Manishimwe joined the knowledge & information sharing panel to lead a discussion on exploring barriers & solutions to ASGM formalisation, access to finance, technology & responsible supply chains.

[IMPACT @IMPACTtransform]

🧵....the consultant will help develop a series of tools and training modules to support the @_ICGLR_ Member States in creating the conditions for value addition in their respective countries. ➡️ https://t.co/QWstPv5SFc

[IMPACT @IMPACTtransform]

📢@IMPACTtransform is hiring a Training and Curriculum Developer - Value Addition Consultant.
Interested experts are invited to read more and apply here: ➡️ https://t.co/QWstPv5SFc 🧵

[IMPACT @IMPACTtransform]

🧵As part of ongoing efforts under the Regional Project to Contribute to the Improvement of Mineral Resources Governance in the Great Lakes Region, implemented by @IMPACTtransform within the framework of the @UEauBurundi /European Union’s Peace and Security Programme....🧵

[planetGOLD Uganda @planetGOLD_UG]

Amplifying women voices in ASGM! Monica, a miner from Busia District, joined a panel discussion on advancing women’s participation in the ASGM sector.
She highlighted challenges women miners face, including limited access to finance calling on financial institutions for support.

[planetGOLD Uganda @planetGOLD_UG]

The @planetGOLD_UG team, & partners from @nemaug & Monica, a miner, are participating in the 2026 @planetGOLD_org Global Forum on Artisanal and Small-Scale Gold Mining in Panama City.

#MakeMercuryHistory