Goodall appointed new Malawi finance minister
Malawian President Peter Mutharika has appointed Goodall Gondwe as Minister of Finance & Economic Planning and Development effective today.
A statement issued Friday which Nyasa Times said Gondwe will be sowrn-in Friday. It is said the appointment is in exercise of the powers conferred upon the president by section 92(1) as read with section 94(1) of the constitution of the Republic of Malawi.
The President is yet to announce the remaining cabinet.
Career
Gondwe began his political career serving as an economic adviser to former president Bakili Muluzi and subsequently Bingu wa Mutharika.
Born 1936 the revered Malawian economist has served as the Minister of Natural Resources, Energy and Environment Affairs ; the Minister of Finance where he was an “engine room” of Malawi economic success and Minister of Local Government .
He also worked at International Monetary Fund where he headed the African division.
Technocrats
Meanwhile Economists Association of Malawi (ECAMA) says it expects the new cabinet to comprise a team of professionals who will be in government for real business not politicking.
Its Executive Director Nelson Mkandawire says besides a lean cabinet, the association is also expecting “that kind of professionals driven cabinet that will perform away from politics.”
Mkandawire also said he expected the new DPP administration to consider forming a government of national unity in which a number of political parties will share ministerial positions.
“When you look at the voting pattern, the way we have done in the just ended elections, I don’t think it can be governed by the only DPP led government. I am sure they will make sure that they consult other parties,” he told a local radio.
He said there is also need for the DPP government to expand the country’s export base and move away from total dependence on tobacco.
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