• EAZ would like to call upon both the Private and Public sectors to enhance productivity.
• Victimization, discrimination, and politics are to blame for low productivity levels.
• Relevant authorities must audit the value chain to see why there is little trickle down to Zambian suppliers.
Economics Association of Zambia (EAZ) has called on government to escalate implementation of the recently launched 2020-2023 Economic Recovery Plan (ERP) to ensure that the Kwacha stabilizes.
Association Deputy National Secretary, Rita Mkandawire told Money FM News that EAZ notes with concern the limited positive impact that high metal prices have had on foreign exchange reserves, the value of the local currency, business and job creation, especially on the Copperbelt Province.
Ms. Mkandawire also advised relevant authorities to Audit the value chain so as to ascertain why there is little trickle down to Zambian suppliers and the economy in general.
She further stressed the need for government to ascertain the levels of employee motivation as it negatively affects productivity, noting that Victimization, discrimination, and politics are to blame for low productivity levels, especially in government grant aided institutions.
“We call upon government to act accordingly to ensure that such vices discontinue. The government needs to achieve a turnaround for all grant aided institutions to wean them of government dependency. This will reduce the cost of running the public service. A turnaround of institutions will need participation from all citizens regardless of political affiliation, tribe or race,” Ms. Mkandawire said.
Meanwhile, Ms. Mkandawire called on the Private and Public sectors to enhance productivity aimed at growing national income and wealth amid the Covid 19 induced economic slowdown.
“During the past year, the EAZ has observed that certain economic players have been adjusting prices not consumerate to the increase in the cost of importation or production of certain goods and services. While we understand that profit is the main aim for businesses, we would like to call upon all market players not to take advantage of our small and unsophisticated consumers of various goods and services,” she added.
“Patriotism, upholding of national values and principles by all citizens is now critical for Zambia’s economic development agenda than ever before. Before August 2021, we shall provide a platform for various stakeholders to come and share their views as we promote Economic Diplomacy and an integrated approach towards National Economic Development,” she stated.