EAZ BOARD CRUCIAL IN SHAPING ECONOMIC FUTURE – MUNGULE

By Arnel Chitundu

ECONOMICS Association of Zambia (EAZ) President Oswald Mungule has said the role of the EAZ Board is crucial in shaping the future Economic Trajectory of the nation.

Dr. Mungule said since its inception, EAZ’s clear constitutional mandate has endeavoured to advance economics and related disciplines through rigorous research, comprehensive training, impactful education, insightful publications and astute consultancy services.

“At the heart of our endeavours lies a visionary mission, goal and set of values that serve as our guiding principles working towards becoming a foremost platform for economic analysis and research, with a mission to advocate for inclusive and sustainable socioeconomic development through dialogue, research and policy analysis, without leaving anyone behind,” Dr. Mungule said.

He said advising on matters to do with inclusive green and sustainable finance among others was imperative for the association.

He said it was worth noting that EAZ overarching goal was to cultivate a culture of proactive engagement among stakeholders to propel the growth of the national economy as outlined in the vision 2030 and subsequent National Development Plans such as the Eighth National Development Plan (8NDP).

He stated that members of EAZ are required by the Constitution of 2023 to recognize the importance of the profession and desire to contribute to the socio-economic development of Zambia and the world at large.

He added that members were also called upon to recognize that economics develops methods for determining the best actions through a systematic assessment of all the relevant benefits and costs.

He explained that the role of EAZ President was pivotal in guiding the Association towards its attainment of the objectives fostering collaboration among members and advocating for the advancement of economists and economics thinking in Zambia.

He urged the members to work towards realizing the vision and mission of the Association and strive to create a brighter future for all.

He said in the next two weeks, the NEC will embark on formulation of the EAZ strategic Plan 2024- 2027, Establishment of the Zambia Journal of Economics and Finance.

He added that they were also planning for the commencement of the Biennial Economic Conferences, Planning for the commencement of professional recognition and the annual economics awards.

He stated that Capacity building of Secretariat staff and sourcing of research tools including econometric programs for the Secretariat staff was also key.

Dr. Mungule also revealed that monthly EAZ seminars will be held to provide advice on emerging economic challenges, networking and introduction of the NEC members to key stakeholders and legislation drafting.

The New Executive Committee (NEC), of the EAZ comprises President Dr. Oswald Mungule , Vice President Mr. Mbanji Milambo, Secretary Dr. Nicholus Mainza , Vice Secretary Mr. Emmanuel Zulu, Treasurer Mr. Robert Malasha, Vice Treasurer, Mrs. Natasha Mulimbika, Member Dr. Bernard Tembo , Member Mr. Mutemwa Mebelo and Member Simon Mtambo.

He disclosed that EAZ will begin training media houses in some economic models and variables to appreciate how they interact with one another to exhibit the familiar patterns of economic data that they observe.

And speaking during the unveiling of the New National Executive Committee, Dr. Mungule said Economics was not a common sense discipline, hence the need to be Professional always.

And Acting Chief Executive Director Tendai Posiana stated the need to foster better understanding and collaboration between EAZ and the media for effective communication.

She said right dissemination of information related to economics and development issues is key.