“Catalysts for Change: Voices from TAP-EDM Partnerships” Series
Explore how short-term technical assistance through the TAP-EDM initiative has supported the Government of Kosovo in reforming its mining sector. By strengthening institutional capacities, developing legislation, policies, and strategies, and equipping officials with the tools to manage the sector responsibly, the initiative is helping lay the foundation for transparent, inclusive, and sustainable resource management. In this new series, project partners reflect on how targeted expertise supported their efforts.
Background
Kosovo, the youngest country in Europe, declared Independence from Serbia in 2008. Since then, it has been working to build the foundations of a stable and functional state, one capable of governing effectively and making informed decisions on behalf its people.
In 2022, the Ministry of Economy recognized that reforming the mining sector was essential to this vision. To unlock the sector’s potential, the Ministry sough the support of a Canadian1 mining sector expert; someone who could bring an impartial perspective, share international best practices, and guide the country in designing policies that are not only technically sound buy also gender-responsive, transparent, inclusive, and sustainable. The ultimate goal was to attract responsible investors and ensure that mining will benefit Kosovo’s people and economy for generations to come.
That opportunity came through the TAP-EDM project. In 2023, the TAP-EDM partnered with Getoar Mjeku, Kosovo’s Deputy Minister of Economy, to support the government in shaping the future of mining. Together, they focused on strengthening institutional capacity, drafting legislation, regulation, policies and strategies, while also equipping Ministry officials with the and the knowledge, skills, and confidence to manage the sector responsibly and sustainably.
Getoar Mjeku’s Story
When Getoar first walked into his new role at the Ministry of Economy, he knew he was stepping into a challenge. Kosovo’s mining sector, once a pillar of the country’s economy2, with roots “dating back to the ancient times,” was at a crossroad. Years of political and economic uncertainly had slowed progress. The Ministry wanted change, but the path forward wasn’t clear. That’s when Canada stepped in. Getoar’s first big task was to welcome Canadian expert Deborah Archibald3 to the Ministry and work with her to shape a vision for the future of mining in Kosovo. Together, Getoar and Deborah rolled up their sleeves. They mapped out priorities, reviewed how institutions were organized, studied the gap and legislation, and perhaps most importantly, sat down with stakeholders who have interested in the mining industry from across the country. Deborah’s approach left a Mark.
“She was able to understand the views and concerns of the stakeholders perhaps better than we could have on our own,” Getoar explained. Her experience, combined with “the advantage of the neutral third party,” opened doors and encouraged people to speak openly, moving beyond narrow personal interests.
For Getoar, this project soon became more than technical reform, it became a personal turning point.
“She would always ask the right questions… it was easy to answer […] (it) taught me a lot and helped me grow professionally, but also as a politician.”
Working alongside Deborah showed him the power of listening, asking the right questions, and building solutions together.
“Deborah’s experience with government has taught me how to better balance these competing requirements (respond to their constituencies and deliver quick results evidence-based). It has also given me a chance to use my background as a lawyer to help in a sector that is not necessarily my primary area of expertise.”
The experience also reshaped how he works with people.
“Because of this experience I’m less reluctant to avoid engaging in conversations with partners or stakeholders that might appear challenging but are necessarily an ingredient to successful change”.
The collaboration extended beyond the office. In 2023, Deborah accompanied Getoar and elected public officials to attend the annual Prospectors and Developers Association of Canada (PDAC) international conference, held in Toronto, a global hub for mining expertise. It was a chance to see how far Kosovo could go, and to help build the relationships that would help get it there. Today, as Kosovo revises its mining strategy, Getoar knows the changes they started will continue to grow.
“The impact is already being felt,” Getoar said. The government approved the plan, and while legislative changes are still needed for full implementation, “(he is) confident that it will have the support of the incoming government in Parliament.”
Conclusion
Getoar’s testimony highlights the importance of programs such as TAP-EDM, which strengthen institutional capacity while generating positive changes that extend beyond the Ministry and improve people’s lives across the country.