Economist Chibamba Kanyama has raised questions over the recent decision by government to engage a UK based public relations firm to handle communications over the country’s debt for the next six months.
Government has hired Highgate Advisory Limited of the UK as the GRZ Communications advisor for the debt management process at a total cost of £333, 403.54 (US$452,897.36 or K9.7 million).
In a statement, Mr Kanyama said the decision to engage Highgate was not properly placed.
He however commended the Ministry of Finance for publicly communicating this undertaking as it helps to enhance transparency on debt matters.
“I urge government to continue with this stance. We should give no room to speculation if our desire is to improve public perceptions on the governance of the nation,” Mr Kanyama said.
Chibamba Kanyama from institute of directors speaks during Financial Intelligence Centre (FIC) 2rd annual anti-money laundering conference at Sandy s creation lodge along Kafue road in Lusaka on December 14, 2017 - Picture by Tenson Mkhala
GOVERNMENT still needs to clearly define their level of political will required to achieve the Economic Recovery Plan’s (ERP) objectives and attract a much-needed International Monetary Fund (IMF) bailout programme, says economist Chibamba Kanyama.
And Kanyama says introducing ground-breaking economic reforms can be suicidal on government’s part given Zambia’s current economic crisis.
In an interview, Monday, Kanyama observed that government still needed to demonstrate their level of coordination required among the various government agencies to actualise the ERP’s objective of reviving growth as previous economic recovery plans failed owing to lack of political will.
Economist Chibamba Kanyama says there is need for adequate political will if the newly launched Economic Recovery Programme is to be successfully implemented.
Mr Kanyama who attended the launch of the strategy document on Thursday at Mulungushi International Conference Centre described it as comprehensive.
Writing on his Facebook page, Mr Kanyama said the successful implementation of the document will depend on the political will of those in power.
“I have now read the Economic Recovery Programme document. It is extremely comprehensive though it is an enhancement from previous other strategies and budget statements,” he stated.
“To make it work this time, certain enablers are required: 1. Political will 2. Political will 3. Political will 4.”