The Economics Association of Malawi (Ecama) has hailed departed Vice President Saulos Chilima for his visionary approach to economic development, emphasis on transformation and resilience and his advocacy for strategic reforms to drive sustainable growth in Malawi’s economy.
Chilima, alongside eight others, died on Monday in a plane crash at Chikangawa in Mzimba.
In an interview on Wednesday, Ecama President Bertha Bangara Chikadza said Chilima’s contribution to the discourse on economic policy and development at Ecama annual conferences have left a lasting impact on the economic community in Malawi.
“Chilima emphasized the need for transformation in the Malawian economy, highlighting that development requires significant structural changes and a shift in the composition of output.
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“He stressed the importance of building resilience to external shocks, particularly in the context of the Covid pandemic and outlined strategies to improve Malawi’s capacity to respond to and recover from such shocks,” Chikadza said.
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She added that Chilima raised critical questions about Malawi’s future sources of sustainable growth, pointing out the historical reliance on agriculture and the need to diversify and climate-proof the economy for more stable growth.
“He highlighted the significance of institutional imperatives, including reforms in mindset and governance structures, to pave the way for a more resilient and prosperous economy,” Chikadza said.
Chilima, a PhD economist, patronised Ecama annual conferences in 2020, 2021 and 2023.
