Standard Bank says it is keen to see the country’s economy grow and has organised the Malawi Economic Forum in Lilongwe on July 22 for key stakeholders to brainstorm how to move the country’s social economic development forward.
Chief Economist: Goolam Ballim
Standard Bank CEO Andrew Mashanda
Announcing the forum, Standard Bank Chief Executive Officer, Andrew Mashanda said it comes at an opportune time when stakeholders are looking for answers to some of the pertinent questions regarding the state of the country’s economy and how they can collectively improve it.
“Malawi faces challenges to move her people and country forward, but in the midst of these challenges also lies opportunity. This economic forum will provide a platform to share knowledge, experience and expertise on what needs to be done to improve the status quo,” he said.
Announcing the forum, Standard Bank Chief Executive Officer, Andrew Mashanda said it comes at an opportune time when stakeholders are looking for answers to some of the pertinent questions regarding the state of the country’s economy and how they can collectively improve it.
“Malawi faces challenges to move her people and country forward, but in the midst of these challenges also lies opportunity. This economic forum will provide a platform to share knowledge, experience and expertise on what needs to be done to improve the status quo,” he said.
He said as Africa’s largest bank, Standard Bank remains committed to working with key stakeholders in Malawi in efforts grow the country’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP).
“The forum gives us the opportunity to share with Malawians and other stakeholders our optimism on Africa and the role we can play in facilitating trade and economic development,” said Mashanda.
The CEO said the bank is privileged to host the Standard Bank group Chief Economist and Head of Research Mr Goolam Ballim who will make a presentation on economic trends affecting Malawi and the region.
“Goolam is a renowned speaker on economics and politics across the African continent. Furthermore, Goolam and his team consistently earn accolades for macroeconomic research on Africa as well as numerous sectoral, industry and financial markets honors. His interest spans politics, the real economy and financial markets,” said Mashanda.
Among the topics to be discussed at the forum include the global economy and Africa, Malawi economy and diversification, potential of the extractives and natural resources sector, power and infrastructure, manufacturing and distribution.
This is the second high-profile forum for Standard Bank to host at the Bingu International Conference Centre in Lilongwe after the Malawi-China Business Forum hosted in June.