Blantyre, Malawi — A member of parliament told academics and business leaders on Thursday that Malawi’s economic stagnation stems from poor policy execution, not from a shortage of plans. Noel Lipipa, who represents Blantyre Kabula Chilomoni Nancholi, delivered the assessment while opening the first School of Business and Economic Sciences conference at the Malawi University of Business and Applied Sciences.
According to local reports, he argued that several countries have lifted growth trajectories by rigorously applying policy ideas first drafted in Malawi, proving the fault lies in follow — through.
“Our policies are not the problem,” Lipipa was quoted as saying. “The real challenge is implementation.
” Official statements indicate that the legislator, currently pursuing a PhD in Strategic Management at the same university, presented research on legal frameworks governing state-owned enterprises.
His paper mapped routes to tighter governance, clearer corporate communication, and stronger performance in institutions that channel public funds into utilities, transport, and agriculture services. Conference organisers say the two-day gathering was designed to meld classroom findings with private-sector practice.
Government officials, company executives, and civil society groups attended panel discussions on taxation, energy pricing, and export logistics.
Independent observers say the event is among the first in Malawi to place parliamentary working papers alongside peer — reviewed academic studies. Lipipa urged delegates to move beyond “constant drafting of new policies” and instead embed measurable delivery targets inside existing ones.
He called for closer coordination among ministries, university researchers, and industry managers, arguing that joint monitoring would curb waste and speed project completion.
According to local reports, attendees endorsed the call for a “mind-set shift” that prioritises results over paperwork, although no immediate government pledge was announced. Officials have not yet commented on whether the recommendations will feed into the next national development plan. Further details are expected when conference organisers publish proceedings next week.
