By Alfred Chauwa

The Association of Business Journalists in Malawi (ABJ) says media has an important role in helping  rebuild the economy as Malawi strives  to recover the economy after suffering from different shocks.

ABJ outgoing National coordinator Enelles Nyale said this in Mangochi when opening  this year’s ABJ Annual General Conference, which has been  held under the theme ; Economic Resilience: Unpacking Malawi’s Path to Recovery in the Aftermath of Ravaging Exogenous Shocks.

Nyale said in recent years, Malawi has faced significant challenges stemming from a range of exogenous shocks that include the COVID-19 pandemic, climate change induced isasters, and global economic fluctuations

“These external forces have tested the very fabric of our economy and our resilience as a nation. Agriculture, our primary economic driver, has been particularly vulnerable, as have other sectors like tourism, trade, SMEs, and the  manufacturing sector
The global disruptions have led to food insecurity, currency depreciation, rising inflation, and a growing national debt burden,” she said.

She said that as Malawians  reflect on these impacts, it is important to unpack not only the strides made but, more importantly, how we build a path to recovery.

Nyale stated that this year’s theme, “Economic Resilience,” is both timely and urgent.

She said journalism plays a crucial role in this endeavour.

” As the voice of the public and a bridge between policymakers and citizens, business journalists have a responsibility to present accurate, insightful, and analytical perspectives on our economic situation. You are more than just reporters of facts—you are interpreters of data, narrators of the national story, and watchdogs of the processes that drive economic policies,” she said.

Nyale said the power of the press can not be overstated in the current situation.

She said  investigative stories and analyses that help the public understand complex economic challenges, hold decision-makers accountable, and foster informed debate on how the country can firge ahead

Meanwhile, ABJ has new leadership following the elections, which took place on Saturday, 28 September,  2024.

Here is the full executive:

National Coordinator
Arthur Chokhotho

Deputy National Coordinator
Alex Banda

Secretary General
Chikondi Kachere

Deputy Secretary General
Edith Kayira Gondwe

Treasurer
Wezzie Nyirongo Chamanza

Executive Members
Davie Taulo
George Banda
Simeon Shumba
Timothy Kachedwa.

In an inclusive interview,  newly elected ABJ National Co-ordinator Arthur Chokhotho described the associations membership as pivotal in interpreting data on the current economic situation  as irresponsible and unprofessional information dissemination has taken center stage,  misleading people.

“There are questions from the public like , why are commercial banks making profits when the Reserve Bank of Malawi continues to suffer losses. Malawians  need to understand the liabilities the central  bank has as a result, the continued skyrocketing balance of payment. Possibly understanding that the government keeps the capital base of the central bank afloat  through promissory notes would help Malawians who are hard working to contribute to domestic production using the already existing assets like land, water which many Malawians do not know can help improve the economy . It is only through well-informed reporting that ABJ is fostering  that we can achieve this.” Said Chokhotho.

During the function , Secretary to the Treasury Betchani Tchereni was the Guest of Honour.