Online Reporter
Herald Reporter
MALAWIAN Local Government Minister Dr Ben Malunga Phiri has lauded Zimbabwe’s economic recovery as a blueprint for African self-reliance and growth.
Speaking at the just-ended Iconic Africa Summit in Harare, Dr Phiri challenged African leaders to set aside political “egos” and study Zimbabwe’s fiscal strategies. “I have just learnt that Zimbabwe — a country that at one point was almost at the deathbed when everybody didn’t want to talk about it — today, I am told, is the fastest-growing economy in Africa,” Dr Phiri said.
“But some of us in the Southern hemisphere are still grappling with how we will fund our economies. What have we done? Have we knocked on Zimbabwe’s door and asked, ‘How are you doing it?’ It is the ego within us. If I am not the one doing it, then I believe it is fake.”
Centred on the theme “The Africa We Want: Sustainable Development, Everyone’s Responsibility”, the event brought together business leaders, government officials, and politicians from across the globe. He also urged African countries to extend working hours and reform public sector work culture, arguing that limited productivity is hindering the continent’s ability to compete globally.
Dr Phiri said Africa cannot match economies in other regions that operate around the clock while maintaining what he described as an “8-hour” or “6-hour” work model.
“What economy are we running?” he said. Whilst our colleagues in the East and in the West are running a 24-hour economy, in Africa we are running an 8-hour economy, 6-hour economy. And we think we are going to compete at a global level? Unfortunately, no.”
He proposed the creation of what he termed an “18-hour economy,” saying extended productive hours would improve efficiency and competitiveness across African economies.
“I invite you now that Africa is the time we reawaken our economy and probably look at creating an economy that is 18 hours at the bar, and we will begin to compete.”
