Government will always say the private sector is the engine for economic growth. But in reality, this is not what is happening on the ground. In Malawi, private sector is taken as something which we can consult if they wish.

Henry Kachaje, the Managing Director of Business Consult Africa (BCA) Managing Director, made these remarks at a debate on the progress of the Economic Recovery Plan (ERP). The event, held on Friday in Lilongwe, was organised by the Economics Association of Malawi.

The Daily Times reported that Kachaje noted the awareness in government of the importance of the private sector as the engine for economic growth, but he explained that this has not translated into consultation with businesses. In fact, he explained that they continue to be sidelined when it comes to formulating critical policies and programmes, including the ERP.

Government has not responded to these comments.

It will be interesting to monitor if the Malawian private sector is consulted in the recently launched Mining Governance and Growth Support Project, or if it will be solely guided by the cooperating partners: the Government of Malawi, World Bank and European Union.