MEFMI celebrates 30 years of supporting macroeconomics

Otlarongwa Kgweetsi | Tuesday October 8, 2024 12:47

The Macroeconomic and Financial Management Institute of Eastern and Southern Africa (MEFMI) is celebrating 30 years of supporting macroeconomic and financial management across its 15 member countries. Kasekende

Established by senior officials from central banks and ministries of Finance, MEFMI has evolved into a significant capacity-building institution serving countries such as Botswana, Kenya, Zambia, and South Sudan.

According to officials, the institute has trained over 11,000 professionals in the region through its specialised programmes, which include the Macroeconomic Management Programme, Debt Management Programme, and Financial Sector Management Programme.

“These programmes are designed to address the complex challenges faced by policymakers, economists, and researchers in the region,” officials highlighted in a press statement this week. “Of the 11,000 trained participants, around 7,000 received training during phases five and six of MEFMI’s capacity-building initiatives in recent years. “This training is critical for strengthening the region’s financial stability.”

Officials highlighted the Fellows Development Programme, which aims to create a pool of regional experts across different fields. The programme has graduated around 200 fellows, with 70 currently active and contributing to their respective countries’ economic management efforts.

“These fellows play a pivotal role in ensuring that MEFMI’s member countries have the expertise necessary to navigate complex economic landscapes,” officials stated.

The MEFMI officials also emphasised the organisation’s role in fostering regional cooperation and facilitating knowledge sharing. Through its work, the institute has enabled member countries to improve their capacity to compile and disseminate statistics according to international standards, which has helped inform better economic policymaking and contributed to the region’s development.

Dr Louis Kasekende, MEFMI’s executive director, expressed gratitude to the member countries for their continued support, stating that their partnership has been key to MEFMI's success. He reaffirmed MEFMI’s commitment to adapting its programmes to the evolving needs of its member countries and continuing to promote macroeconomic stability and financial sector development in the region.