By Yamikani Simutowe, Correspondent
Malawi Minister of Information, Tourism and Culture Kondwani Nankhumwa has said government has put in place a number of economic policies and strategies aimed at changing the country’s economic fortunes.
Nankhumwa spoke when he officially opened a day-long workshop for Association of Business Journalists (ABJ) members on emerging issues in Bvumbwe, Thyolo.
Nankhumwa, said in the absence of donor support, the media has painted “quiet a bleak and gloomy picture” on the future of the country’s economy.
He said this has brought doubts if Malawi will overcoming some of the country’s economic challenges.
“We are what we write. If our stories are that of desolation, failure, glorification of poverty and pessimism, then we are going to become a country that is synonymous with under-achievement and brokenness,” said Nankhumwa.
He therefore called on business reporters to use the power of the pen to “build Malawi and conquer the world”.
“Let us use the power that we have to be bridges between our society and government, donor community, private and public sector and investors at large.
“We should use this power to help our nation bang heads together and come up with the best ways of lifting Malawi. Let us not take pride in glorifying empty rankings on poverty. We are more than a statistic,” explained Nankhumwa.
The workshop, funded by the Malawi Communications Regulatory Authorities (Macra), brought together business reporters from all three regions and were taken through several topics including “Understanding the bond Market” by Malawi Stock Exchange Acting Chief Executive John Kamanga; Chief Economic Adviser to the President Dr Collins Magalasi’s “Where is the economy going? Any hope for Malawi”; “Challenges and opportunities of doing business in Malawi by Indigenous Businesspersons Association President Mike Mlombwa while Macra Henry Silika made a presentation on Cirms and Television Whitespaces:.what are they and why are they important”.
