Malawi engages public on recovery plan

After a barrage of criticism that the recently launched Economic Recovery Plan (ERP) lacks clarity and focus, government has this Friday organised a public discussion on activities that may lead to what it calls successful implementation of the plan.

In a statement, Secretary for Information Anthony Livuza said the forum will allow government to solicit views that will help it implement the plan.

Vice-President Khumbo Kachali last month launched the ERP which is expected to be implemented over 18 months.

The plan focuses on five pillars, namely; energy, tourism, mining, agriculture and transport infrastructure and ICT with the hope of resuscitating Malawi’s ailing economy characterised by rising inflation, high interest rates and a weakening kwacha which was devalued on May 7 and subsequently floated.

Last week, Business Consult Africa (BCA) managing director Henry Kachaje, speaking at the Malawi Confederation of Chambers of Commerce and Industry (MCCCI) chapter meeting for the Southern Region, noted that the document generally lacks clarity, is not focused and does not indicate who is to champion the implementation process. 

But MCCCI chief executive officer Chancellor Kaferapanjira noted that based on the sentiments from chapter members, it is clear the private sector believes it was a good decision by government to have a recovery plan.

“Overall, the idea of having an economic recovery plan, especially in the face of what the country’s economy is going through, is a good one,” he said.

The implementation of the ERP in the immediate and short-term is through the 2012/13 annual budget which was passed in Parliament, according to Minister of Economic Planning and Development Atupele Muluzi.

Among players to be consulted include Malawi Economic Justice Network, Bankers Association of Malawi, Farmers Union of Malawi and Association of Business Journalist (ABJ).