Be consistent with economic policies—World Bank
The outgoing World Bank country manager Sandra Bloemenkamp has advised Malawi to be consistent in implementing its policies and ensure appropriate adjustments over time.
Bloemenkamp, who has been at the helm of World Bank Malawi office for three and half years, has also advised government to ensure full involvement of media and civil society, saying their views, actions, efforts and coverage to reach the public is critical to addressing economic, social and poverty issues.
“For me, I leave with a better understanding of how economic processes really impact each other, development is a complex issue indeed and needs time and consistent policy,” said Bloemenkamp on Friday during a farewell party at her own residence in Lilongwe.
Bloemenkamp, who returns to the World Bank headquarters in Washington DC as manager for Global Partnerships and Trust Funds, recalled that when she took office towards the end of 2009, there were high expectations as the economy was on the right path, but said in 2010, the country saw a gradual deterioration of economic and political governance.
According to the outgoing World Bank boss, in the year 2011, the country was hit by a ‘perfect storm’ as it was evident that Malawi’s major economic indicators were going into the wrong direction, a situation which she said resulted in a serious risk of total economic collapse.
“When reforms came in 2012, we saw a sudden turnaround although it has been tough for poor people.
“It is also clear that the economy is recovering, but it doesn’t mean that the pain and suffering of the people is immediately over. It means we are on the right track,” said Bloemenkamp, who described Malawi as beautiful with “wonderful wildlife”.
Asked to single out the most difficult moment during her tenure of office, Bloemenkamp said it was towards the end of the year 2011 when Malawi was moving ‘further and further’ away from the development path.
She explained that Malawi happens to be geographically placed between neighbouring economies that are experiencing massive economic development such as Mozambique, Tanzania and Zambia, a situation she said could help the country accelerate its economic growth and development.
On his part, Finance Minister Ken Lipenga, who spoke on behalf of government at the function, described Bloemenkamp as focused and passionate about the people of Malawi, adding that “she has done the World Bank proud” during her term.
