The Economics Association of Malawi (ECAMA) has called for the professionalisation of economics and legal reforms to strengthen economic governance, as it announced a partnership with a leading African research body.
Speaking at the 2025 ECAMA Annual Economic Conference, the association’s President, Bertha Bangara Chikadza, disclosed that ECAMA has signed a Memorandum of Understanding with the African Economic Research Consortium (AERC), Africa’s premier economic think tank.
“The cooperation aims to facilitate the attainment of our common goals and strengthen the impact of both institutions across the continent,” said Chikadza.
The partnership comes as ECAMA intensifies its advocacy for evidence-based policymaking. Chikadza outlined several initiatives, including a debt oversight project with the National Democratic Institute and collaboration with the National Planning Commission on budget analysis to ensure alignment with Malawi 2063 aspirations.
In his address during official opening of this year’s ECAMA conference, Finance Minister Joseph Mathyola Mwanamvekha, supported ECAMA’s drive for professional standards while urging deeper reforms.
“I wish to urge ECAMA to professionalise this institution through appropriate legal instruments,” said the Minister, emphasising the need for proper identification and registration of members.
Sharing his personal commitment as one of ECAMA’s founders, Mwanamvekha added: “We have seen pretenders masquerading as economists through various forums. I urge the Board of Trustees to ensure that ECAMA is reengineered legally. As Government, we are ready to collaborate with your association.”
He further challenged the gathering: “Distinguished economists, through our tertiary institutions and this forum, we should come up with proper mechanisms to define who an economist is.”
The call for professionalisation comes amid severe economic challenges.
Reserve Bank Governor MacDonald Mafuta Mwale noted that “domestic real GDP growth has been subdued, averaging 2.0 percent over the past five years,” while foreign exchange shortages continue to disrupt economic activity.
Commenting on the same, Professor Victor Murinde, Executive Director of AERC, emphasised that institutional strength is crucial for recovery.
“Rwanda’s experience shows that strong institutions, practical targets, and protected whistleblowers can turn fiscal discipline into national progress,” said Professor Murinde, offering a model for Malawi’s own reforms.
ECAMA’s leadership stressed that the association remains committed to its role as an independent think tank.
“For over 25 years, the Association has served as an independent think tank and advisory body, committed to shaping national policy with integrity, professionalism, and transparency,” emphasised Chikadza.
The conference, which brought together economists, policymakers, and private sector leaders, signals ECAMA’s determination to strengthen both economic policy and the profession itself as Malawi navigates its current crises.
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