Maravi

AfDB calls for enhanced openness in economic development

AfDB calls for enhanced openness in economic development
By Kabanda Chulu and Kelvin Tembo
Monday June 16, 2008 [04:00]

THERE is need to enhance transparency and openness because they are powerful tools in economic development, Africa Development Bank (AfDB) vice-president Joe Eichenberger has said. And Information minister Mike Mulongoti said Zambia would not reach the vision 2030 unless every Zambian contributed fully to the country’s economic development. During the launch of the Joint Development Information Centre (JDIC) in Lusaka last Thursday, Eichenberger said the AfDB recognised that knowledge was a critical factor in generating development.

“Knowledge is a powerful tool in almost all spheres of human endeavour but more importantly, this centre will enhance transparency and openness that are equally powerful tools in economic development,” said Eichenberger. “Access to knowledge has become an all-important factor in determining competitiveness and economic growth and it is with this in mind that AfDB has co-financed this public information centre.”

Officially opening the information centre, Mulongoti said there was need to balance between the socio-economic agenda and the political agenda in order to facilitate development.

“In Zambia we cherish politics and understand that only a civically enlightened population can drive successful development but the political agenda needs to be balanced with the economic and social agenda,” said Mulongoti.

“We in government believe that access to information brings about human transformation but until every Zambian understands his role in participating fully in the economy, we will not reach our vision 2030.”

AfDB Zambia manager Vivienne Apopo said the JDIC would help strengthen the bank’s objective of enhancing information access for the people of Zambia as part of the drive for facilitating the country’s progress in the information age.

“In order to cater for the information needs of differently-abled persons, the centre has provided suitable equipment and facilities to accommodate them,” said Apopo.

World Bank country manager, Dr Kapil Kapoor said shared information would enhance understanding, participation and would increase demand for accountability.

“Whether in dealing with a development project or broader economic reforms, significant efforts are being made to build consensus through raising of public understanding and generating well-informed dialogue between stakeholders on one hand and the development partner on the other,” said Dr Kapoor.

Labels: ADB, AfDB, JDIC, TRANSPARANCY

posted by MrK @ 12:06 AM