ATM strategy sparks controversy

The Malawi government has sparked debate with its recent decision to implement a new Agriculture, Tourism and Mining (ATM) strategy seemingly independent of the National Planning Commission (NPC).

The NPC serves as the key implementing partner for Malawi 2063 (MW2063), the country’s long-term development blueprint, which also identifies these same sectors as crucial for economic transformation.

While some see the move as a way to streamline efforts and focus resources, others fear it could lead to fragmented initiatives and underutilised resources.

Minister of Tourism Vera Kamtukule and Minister of Mining Monica Ching’anamuno confirmed that the line ministries will be responsible for planning the ATM strategy.

NPC director general Thomas Munthali downplayed concerns, stating: “ATM is not necessarily a stand-alone strategy. My take is that government has prioritised these productive sectors within MIP-1 [the first Malawi 2063 implementation plan] as focus areas for food security, jobs and wealth creation.”

But the approach has divided experts with market analyst Bond Mtembezeka, who supports the move, saying he views it as a more focused approach aligned with the MW2063.

Youth and Society executive director Charles Kajoloweka agrees, stating: “It is good that the government is picking on some focus areas… There is no doubt NPC remains mandated to provide implementation oversight on the ATM within the MW2063 framework.”

He, however, expressed concern about the exclusion of manufacturing, a key component of MW2063’s industrialisation goals, saying this suggests a potential disconnect between the Office of the President and Cabinet and the NPC.

But the Economics Association of Malawi (Ecama) acting president Bertha Bangara-Chikadza raised concerns about implementing the ATM strategy outside the Malawi 2063 framework.

In a WhatsApp response, she expressed concern that the move could fragment government interventions and projects, particularly if the government initiatives have differing priorities. It would also divert critical resources from the broader Malawi 2063, hindering progress.

Said Bangara-Chikadza: “Third, without coordination between the ATM strategy and Malawi 2063, synergy—the combined impact of development interventions—may be compromised. Conflicts or competition between government agencies, departments, or stakeholders could arise, hindering collaboration.

She further cautioned that it would be difficult to track progress when initiatives operate independently.

She adds: “Clear monitoring and evaluation mechanisms are crucial for accountability. Without alignment under a unified vision, assessing achievements becomes difficult.”

Munthali earlier told the Budget and Finance Committee of Parliament that his organisation is considering a proposal to create a budget framework that highlights key interventions, which would keep MW2063 on track while working with Parliament to ensure that national budgets speak to the vision and its 10-year implementation plans.

Budget and Finance Committee of Parliament vice-chairperson Ismael Mkumba urged NPC to present a formal proposal to Parliament on its planned interventions in the budget formulation process.

The government’s decision to prioritise ATM sectors within Malawi 2063 is a strategic move. However, ensuring clear alignment with the broader development framework and addressing concerns about resource allocation and potential fragmentation will be crucial for its success.