A renowned United States-based Malawian academic and development expert says increased engagement between Malawian decision makers and the country’s citizens working abroad can help Malawi tap knowledge and expertees needed to address its challenges.
Speaking during a meeting he held with National Planning Commission (NPC), Professor Paul Tiyambe Zeleza – a Senior Advisor for Strategic Initiatives and Professor of African Studies at Howard University in Washington DC – said Malawi’s diaspora has the potential to help the country push its developmental philosophy into practical achievements.
“Malawi has a rich pool of expertise and experience scattered across the globe. If these started to work closely with institutions back home, we can build a powerful network that’ll strengthen our capacity as a nation,” said Zeleza.
He said the diaspora has greater economic and technical potential which with a conducive policy environment would facilitate their participation in the country’s transformation, including fostering investments in their own country.
Zelaza said the engagement can also promote technology transfer through exchange programs with academic institutions, thereby championing Malawi’s development vision, the Malawi 2063 and creating impactful linkages with foreign governments, the private sectors, philanthropic institutions and influential multilateral development focused organizations.
On his part, NPC Board Chairperson Prof. Richard Mkandawire said the commission is committed to building strong partnerships that can accelerate Malawi’s transformation journey towards a middle-income economy by 2030.
“Your [Prof. Zeleza’s] visit is a reminder that we need to widen our development frontiers by tapping into our diaspora knowledge, expertise and other resources,” said Mkandawire.
Also present at the meeting were representatives from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Ministry of Education and the Malawi School of Government, keenly interested to support diaspora efforts to Malawi’s development.
#MW2063 #Ndizotheka
