WELL DONE EAZ

THE Economics Association of Zambia is a good example of how professional associations are supposed to operate and be a positive factor in nation building. It has shown that it does not need to have a partisan approach to national affairs, but a non-partisan stance as befitting its membership. The EAZ has been a positive influence in the country’s economic sector, able to bring together economists across the political divide to discuss the way forward. The ongoing inaugural national economic summit of the EAZ in Livingstone is a landmark achievement in the association’s history. The theme: “The Future of Economic Diplomacy: Supporting Inclusive Growth and sustainable Development in Africa,” bears testimony. It shows how the association has grown in statue and become an organisation that speaks with authority on issues relating to the country’s economy. We won’t mention names here for Zambians know organisations that act more like political parties with hidden agendas than being honest brokers in the country’s affairs. The Livingstone summit has brought together two serving heads of State – host President Edgar Lungu and Uhuru Kenyatta of Kenya – and a former president, Tanzania’s Jakaya Kitwete. What is so special about this economic summit? As EAZ president Dr Lubinda Habaazoka said during the week, it is important to bring together the country’s brains and brainstorm on how best to grow the economy. We know for a fact that there are sections of society that tried to brand this gathering as a mere talking shop. But what is wrong with having captains of industry, commerce, finance, government and academics coming together and sharing ideas? The delegates need a forum to talk about mobilising resources for development projects, financing businesses and even economic reforms. It is all part of dialogue among various interest groups. The new Finance Minister, Dr Bwalya Ng’andu, used the forum to speak about the country’s economic prospects. Dr Ng’andu spoke about how the Zambian economy has been adversely affected by negative developments in the international market which have resulted in low commodity prices. But the minister was also quick to point out how Government had laid a strong foundation on how to deal with those challenges. President Lungu said his government wants to see inclusive growth and sustainable development. Government had therefore embarked on robust interventions in various sectors of the economy as a way to actualise economic development, President Lungu said. President Kikwete, in another keynote address, spoke about Africa’s growing debt and cautioned African countries that did not have capacity to pay back not to contract loans. Dr Kikwete also advised African countries to be realistic in the manner they projected their economic growth. We also agree with his observation on the need for African countries to create a conducive environment for the private sector to thrive and partner with governments to foster economic growth. “As African countries, we need to have a paradigm shift in projecting our economies’ growth and in doing so, governments must engage and partner with the private sector,” Dr Kikwete said. It is our belief that this all important summit must be a game changer in the manner Zambia manages her economic affairs, that team work is key to success. Keep it up EAZ.