By Chisomo Phiri
Economics lecturer at Malawi University of Business and Applied Sciences economics Betchani Tchereni is now the new president of the Economics Association of Malawi (ECAMA) after narrowly edging out outgoing secretary general and veteran economist Andrew Kumbatira with 32 votes to the latter’s 30.
Tchereni, a prominent economics analyst and former MUBAS acting vice principal, was elected president at ECAMA’S Annual General Meeting (AGM) held at Sunbird Nkopola Lodge in Mangochi on Thursday.
The election was part of the association’s annual conference held under the theme “Fortifying Economic Growth from Shocks”.
He takes over from Lauryn Nyasulu.
The following makes the new ECAMA Executive:
President Professor Betchani Tchereni
Secretary General James Kenani
Secretary Bertha Bangara Chikadza
Treasurer General Hamilton Kamwana
Vice Treasurer General Hope Mfune
Committee Members
Hellings Nasoni
Mervis Maliketi
Emmanuel Muleso
Florence Kampani Pasiya
ECAMA is a voluntary organisation with its own Articles of Association and Constitution.
The Association was launched on February 27, 1999.
It is a forum for Economists in Malawi and other interested parties who meet to discuss economic issues, provide policy analysis, improve economic management, and advise decision makers.
ECAMA’s main function is to encourage open and proactive debate and policy dialogue on economic issues among economists, the business fraternity, politicians, public and quasi public sectors in Malawi.
This necessitates close working partnerships with Government, parastatals, private bodies, the civil society and other associations. From these contacts, it has the opportunity to ensure that the understanding of economic issues is promoted and enhanced by all parties in the country.
The Association exists to act as the voice of the economics profession through membership-focused services that benefit the profession, its practitioners, and national stakeholders.
