Malawians abroad support economy

  1. Posted on Wednesday 7 October 2009 - 16:00
    FRAZER POTANI
    Image of FRAZER POTANI
    Frazer Potani, AfricaNews reporter in Lilongwe, Malawi
    Malawians living abroad have contributed over $1million(over K140 million) in their country's economy according to United Nations Development Programme (UNDP). The development was disclosed by the UNDP during the launch of Human Development Report (HDR) in Lilongwe on Wednesday.
    market in malawi
    "In 2007, Malawians living away from home contributed US $ 1million in remittances (about MK 141 million). The remittances are sent to immediate family members, but the benefits spread broadly into the Malawian economy," reads a statement from the organization.

    UNDP Resident Coordinator, Richard Dictus said although migration of people is viewed negatively, Malawi and other poor developing countries can achieve large gains to human development if they among other things reduce obstacles to movement and improve lives of migrants.

    "But movement of people especially skilled labour in search of better remuneration has resulted in human resources emergency in the health sector in Malawi. The issue of brain drain, especially regarding skilled personnel such as doctors and nurses is not only a concern for Malawi, but other developing countries too," said Dictus.

    The HDR highlights that Malawi has made some upward achievements an increase in life expectancy of over 52 years.

    Economic Planning and Development Ministry's Fiance and Administration Director Ben Botolo said government is pleased that its programmes were yielding results in the fight against poverty.

    "The highlighted upward trends in the Human Development Report are a reflection of what government has been doing in the past five years," he said.

    Human Rights Consultative Committee (HRCC) national coordinator Mavuto Bamusi however said government should not relax but rather work extra harder to trickle down the benefits of the country's social-economic transformation highlighted in the HDR to the people.

    "There is still a lot to be done because poverty is still outweighing many people in this country," he said.

    He disclosed that for instance, 15 per every 100 Malawians are in the ultra poor category on poverty.

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