The 2018 Economics Association of Malawi (ECAMA) Annual Economic Conference (AEC) was held on 22nd and 23rd November 2018 at Sunbird Nkopola Lodge in Mangochi under the theme: Current and Emerging Challenges Towards Transformative, Inclusive and Sustainable Economic Growth in Malawi.
The conference’s guest of honor was the Minister of Agriculture, Irrigation and Water Development, Honourable Joseph Mwanamvekha (MP). In addition, the Governor of the Reserve Bank of Malawi, who is also the Chairperson of ECAMA Board of Trustees, Dalitso Kabambe (PhD), was in attendance. The Conference attracted over 150 economists and other key stakeholders.
Conference delegates noted that the country’s economy has registered a notable level of macroeconomic stability over the past 24 months leading to the conference. The country’s economic performance has been largely characterized by declining inflation, relatively lower interest rates, a marked decline in non-performing loans, a stable exchange rate; and increasing gross official reserves. Notwithstanding, members noted that a relatively weak policy and regulatory environment; volatile economic growth; energy supply shortages; high cost of finance; unpredictable and low agricultural commodity prices; low levels of public sector investment compared to consumption; and high population growth as key challenges.
From the deliberations, members proffered to decision makers detailed and cogent solutions to the challenges facing the economy. These proposed solutions can be accessed in the 2018 conference communique using the link below:
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