The Economics Association of Malawi (ECAMA) recently held its 2026 Annual Conference, which concluded with a renewed sense of resolve and purpose. The conference brought together various stakeholders to discuss the country's economic challenges and potential solutions. ECAMA's Executive Director, Esmie Kanyumbu, emphasized the need for effective reform implementation, citing weak institutional coordination, inadequate monitoring systems, and limited resources as major obstacles. She stressed that success lies not in producing more policies, but in sequencing and executing reforms that deliver tangible impact.
During the closing remarks, Kanyumbu acknowledged the persistent challenges in Malawi's reform implementation. She highlighted the importance of stakeholder engagement and monitoring progress. ECAMA will issue a formal communiqué outlining key resolutions and continue to deepen stakeholder engagement. The association expressed gratitude to its longstanding corporate partners, including NICO Group, Old Mutual Malawi, FDH Bank, Japan Tobacco International (JTI), Malawi Revenue Authority (MRA), and Press Corporation. Their consistent support has sustained ECAMA's work over the years, reflecting the key role of the private sector in advancing economic dialogue and reform.
The conference also marked a significant milestone with the election of the 2026–2029 Executive Committee, overseen by Justice Zione Ntaba. The electronic voting process resulted in a clear mandate for the new leadership. Bertha Bangara Chikadza was elected as President unopposed, while Arthur Madalitso Ngwende took the position of Vice President. Other elected members include Gilbert Kachamba as Secretary General, Hope Mfuni as Treasurer General, and Ngaimanye Raisa Mkondiwa as Deputy Treasurer General. Additionally, Evangelist Marvin Banda, Goodluck Chaphulika, Karen Partridge, and Lucy Penama were elected as Executive Members.
The new leadership will be tasked with driving ECAMA's agenda, focusing on effective reform implementation and strengthening partnerships. Kanyumbu emphasized that the journey towards meaningful economic reform has only just begun. With renewed resolve, strengthened partnerships, and a clear mandate for its new leadership, ECAMA is poised to make a positive impact on Malawi's economy. The association's efforts will focus on delivering tangible impact on stability, growth, job creation, and structural transformation.
The ECAMA Annual Conference serves as a platform for stakeholders to engage in discussions on economic reforms and their implementation. The conference provides an opportunity for experts to share knowledge and best practices, ultimately contributing to the country's economic growth. ECAMA's commitment to advancing economic dialogue and reform is reflected in its sustained efforts to engage stakeholders and promote effective reform implementation.
The partnership between ECAMA and its corporate partners has been instrumental in sustaining the association's work. The longstanding support from these partners reflects the private sector's commitment to advancing economic dialogue and reform. ECAMA's efforts to deepen stakeholder engagement and monitor progress will be crucial in driving meaningful economic reform.
As ECAMA embarks on its new journey with renewed resolve and leadership, the association is expected to play a significant role in shaping Malawi's economic future. With a clear mandate and strengthened partnerships, ECAMA is well-positioned to contribute to the country's economic growth and development. The association's efforts will focus on delivering tangible results, ultimately improving the lives of Malawians.
Key points
- The ECAMA Annual Conference concluded with a renewed sense of purpose and new leadership, focusing on effective reform implementation.
- The new leadership will drive ECAMA's agenda, focusing on effective reform implementation and strengthening partnerships.
- ECAMA's efforts will focus on delivering tangible impact on stability, growth, job creation, and structural transformation.
