By KENNEDY MUPESENI –
THERE is need for Government to strengthen communication, information and consistency in policy formulation to achieve the much-needed economic diversification in the country, the Zambia Institute for Policy Analysis Research (ZIPAR) has said.
In the 2016 Budget, Government has undertaken to accelerate diversification of the economy particularly towards agriculture, agro-processing, manufacturing, tourism and energy.
Senior research fellow Caesar Cheelo said diversification would only be achieved if communication and information were strengthened.
“Government should always be in the habit of consulting all stakeholders before formulation of any policy hinging on diversification to get their input and be part of the process,” Mr Cheelo said.
He was speaking on Hot FM’s ZIPAR in Focus programme dubbed, “Is Economic Diversification Feasible for Zambia?”  aired on Tuesday night.
Mr Cheelo urged Government to prioritise road infrastructure leading to where economic activities such as food production take place, especially  rural parts of the country.
“Roads are good for development, although we need to prioritise roads where we can derive more economic benefits, we should not only place more emphasis on urban roads,” he said.
Mr Cheelo emphasises the need for creation of capacity in the local contractors so that resources expended in infrastructure were retained unlike the situation where mostly foreign contractors where engaged.
On energy infrastructure, he said emphasis should not only be placed on building dams but also increase investments in transmission and renewable energy.
As for tourism, Mr Cheelo wanted to include training in services than concentrating on developing physical infrastructure like roads leading to tourist attractions.
“We also need to train people directly involved in providing services to tourists be it local or international, yes we are hospitable people at our homes but that needs to translate into provision of services,” he said.