Policy analyst, Saili, counsels govt to ensure bilateral MoUs entered into are realistic, feasible

Shadreck Saili, a policy analyst, has cautioned government to ensure that the commitments made in the Memorandum of Understandings (MoUs) signed with other countries are realistic, feasible, and aligned with its broader development goals and priorities.

Zambia has recently signed over 25 MoUs with African member states in the last two years with the current 10 being with Ghana.

The signing of these MoUs in sectors such as tourism, mining, manufacturing, infrastructure development, transportation, value chain, and energy indicates the intention to promote cooperation and collaboration in these areas.

Saili, however, in an interview cautioned that having too many MoUs could present challenges.

He said this required efficient coordination, management, and resource allocation to effectively implement and derive value from each agreement.

Zambia, he said, therefore, needed to ensure that the commitments made in these MoUs were realistic, feasible, and aligned with its broader development goals and priorities.

“Zambia needs to manage these agreements effectively, considering their benefits, challenges, and potential impact on the debt burden.

“Strategic implementation and coordination will be crucial to derive maximum value from these MoUs and achieve sustainable development outcomes for Zambia beyond international relations and diplomacy,” Saili said.

He said the implications of these MoUs on multilateral agreements and the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) could be positive if they aligned with the objectives of regional integration and economic development.

MoUs, Saili pointed out, could complement multilateral agreements by fostering bilateral cooperation, which could later contribute to broader regional integration efforts.

He stated that they could also help Zambia establish strategic partnerships, enhance trade, and attract investment within the framework of the AfCFTA.

He also acknowledged that while the specific value of each MoU may vary, these agreements provided a framework for future engagements and potential benefits for Zambia.

“The signing of MoUs can increase competition from foreign companies as it opens up opportunities for collaboration and investment in various sectors. This can bring benefits in terms of technology transfer, knowledge sharing, and innovation,” Saili said.

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