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Economist, Dr. Grieve Chelwa, has urged President Hakainde Hichilema to convene an economic indaba to address Zambia’s current economic challenges.
Speaking on the Conversation Podcast on Monday, hosted by former Ambassador to Ethiopia, Emmanuel Mwamba, Chelwa stated the importance of inclusive debates and discussions to inform policy decisions.
He advised the President to rely on local expertise, particularly within the public service and to be cautious of foreign advisors who may have ulterior motives.
Chelwa, an Associate Professor of Political Economy at The Africa Institute, analyzed the three years of the UPND government during the podcast.
He opined that the proposed economic indaba would foster rigorous debate among experts and consider the potential consequences of foreign advice on Zambia’s economy.
Read More: Musokotwane challenges economic experts to be credible, unbiased
Chelwa also suggested that the government should prioritise joint ventures and partnerships with foreign investors in strategic sectors such as mining, agriculture, and tourism, while maintaining state ownership and control in these areas.
He urged a careful evaluation of past experiences, including the impact of previous International Monetary Fund (IMF) programmes and privatization efforts.
“Avoid reliance on external experts and instead promote local expertise to build capacity and institutions,” Chelwa stated, criticizing IMF’s austerity measures, which he argued have exacerbated the suffering of the people.
He concluded by calling for strategic state intervention in key sectors, protective policies to support local industries and state ownership and management of critical assets like mines.
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