I have been writing on economic issues relating to Zambia for many years now. And I can confidently say that this is the most exciting time to be a Zambian economist for more than a decade. Why do I say so?
After Mwanawasa crossed the HIPC completion point and secured debt relief the economic issues became largely "microeconomic". The analysis was mainly about the economics of reducing corruption, tackling local poverty, creating incentives, securing money from copper, and other micro issues. In fact china was just arriving on the continent, so the politics of foreign investment was not as amplified.
The Bank of Zambia had relative autonomy through personalities (not based on statute) and the macro picture was very stable, even boring! Donors still contributed a lot to the budget (25% - 30%) but debate was around proper targeting of funds and securing more money from copper. We all remember the interesting debate / lobbying that led to the Mineral Development Act 2008. And of course we went through the aid debate storm!
[view whole blog post
]
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
|
See More
Report Abuse