Ecama, Luanar engage students on public finance management
Economics Association of Malawi (Ecama) and the Lilongwe University of Agriculture and Natural Resources (Luanar) have rolled out a student debate to provide a platform for students to share perspectives on best practices on public finance management (PFM).
The debates are part of activities of the enhanced evidence-based research to inform policy decision-making in PFM project.
The project falls under the Chuma cha Dziko Programme co-funded by the European Union and Oxfam in Malawi.
The first round of the competition was the regional knockout phase between University of Malawi (Unima) and Malawi University of Business and Applied Sciences (Mubas) on Friday.
Speaking on behalf of the consortium, Ecama senior economist Emmaunel Banda said the debate seeks to promote PFM discourse among students in universities and raise public awareness on PFM systems as well as their weaknesses and strengths.
He said: “Young people need to now take their rightful role to ensure that they participate and voice out their opinions in the policies that this country is implementing.
“Our aim is to provide this platform for generation of evidence that will inform PFM systems to ensure that these systems promote efficiencies and effectiveness.”
On her part, Unima fourth year economics student Jennifer Mwenebanda said the debates are an important platform for the youth to participate in policy implementation and practice.
“Our expectation as the youth is that we will be able to talk about issues affecting the nation and help us be more informed and proactive on issues affecting this country,” she said.
During the debate, Unima beat Mubas by 36 points to 31 points.
The debates are being held under the theme Youth Engagement in PFM: A Catalyst for a Transparent, Accountable, Efficient and Effective PFM System.
