Finance Minister Alexander Chikwanda has called on the African Development Bank [ADB] to support institutions of development and help to strengthen policy implementation mechanisms of member countries.
This is contained in a statement released to the media today by Ministry of Finance Public Relations Officer Chileshe Kandeta
Mr. Chikwanda said member countries like Zambia require the support of the ADB to complement their own efforts in developing infrastructure and promoting widespread employment creation and poverty reduction programs.
“Many African countries have clear visions for development but what they lack are solid delivery vehicles for their development aspirations, this is the gap you are requested to help in filling” he said.
“Institutions of development, with support from the ADB, have the potential to stamp a deep footprint on enterprise growth in the development process of member countries and so require facility support,” said the Minister.
The Minister was speaking at a High-Level Presidential Forum to commemorate the 50th anniversary of the ADB. The panel featured President Ellen Sirleaf Johnson of Liberia, Trevor Manuel – Former Minister of Finance of South Africa and current Vice Chairperson of Rothschild, Barbaca N’diaye – Former President of ADB, Kiyoshi Kodera – Former Executive Director of ADB, and Mr. Harold Doley – Former Executive Director of ADB.
Mr. Chikwanda, a Governor on the Board of ADB, is scheduled to attend meetings of governors [Ministers of Finance of member countries and shareholders] chaired by outgoing ADB President Dr. Donald Kaberuka, and participate in the election of the new President of the ADB. He is also scheduled to chair a meeting of the Africa Group One Constituency comprising, Botswana, Malawi, Mauritius, and Zambia, attend a forum on options obstacles and opportunities for sovereign debt in Africa, and a bilateral meeting with ADB.
The Minister is in Abidjan, Ivory Coast to attend the Annual Meeting and the 50th Anniversary Commemoration of the ADB.
In his delegation are Secretary to the Treasury Fredson Yamba, Bank of Zambia Governor Dr. Denny Kalyalya, and other Senior Treasury and Bank of Zambia Officials.
This bally & begging, awe its embarrassing. You have been part of africa’s fifty years & you still say africa “lacks delivery vehicles for her development aspirations”. What have you been doing.
You dinosaurs have been treadind down on your best brains that should have developed the “vehicles/tools” to move this africa up.
Zambia is a difficult prospect to assist because leaders are obsessed with socialism. Look, the fact of the matter is that most Zambians are lazy. And most want to get into business without having worked a second.
His request sounds too vague. For someone at his level of experience one would expect him to articulate better the need and type of support required. What sort of support exactly is he seeking for the local institutions of development? Grants, technical assistance? Concessional loans? Also what are these institutions of development he is referring to?
This old fool has outlived his usefulness. He is way past his “sell by” date. These dinosaurs should pave way for young, vibrant and energetic minds. All these Septuagarians belong with King Cobra. Time to rest in peace ba mwisho!