Bishop Mtumbuka demands policies to reduce economic inequality, poverty in Malawi

Bishop for Karonga Diocese of the Catholic Church Martin Mtumbuka wants Malawi economists to renounce text-book economics and develop a brand of practical economics that can take Malawi out of impoverished state.

Mtumbuka, who is newly appointed board chairperson of the think tank Malawi Economic Justice Network (Mejn), said reducing inequality and poverty, and promoting equity, are important macro-economic objectives.

He noted that the widening income gap between the rich and poor has highlighted the need to understand the causes of relative inequality and poverty, and to construct suitable policies to reduce poverty and narrow the income gap.

“The country’s economists including MEJN should work towards eradicating poverty in the country by ensuring that government economic policies are inclusive and that are indeed reducing economic hardships of Malawians particularly the marginalised,” said Bishop Mtumbuka.

The Catholic bishop called for “equal opportunities” for all Malawians and for the “selected few.”

He noted that many Malawians still live in dire poverty.

Mtumbuka said reducing inequality will boost the impact of economic growth on the reduction of poverty.