ZIPAR advises govt to create more jobs

ZIPAR Senior research fellow Caesar Cheelo

The Zambia Institute for Policy Analysis and Research (ZIPAR) says as well as ensuring short-term economic stability, Zambia must plan to create more and better jobs in the long-term.

In a new report, ZIPAR Senior Research Fellow, Caesar Cheelo says Central to any jobs plan should be agriculture and promoting access to new export markets for agri-businesses.

He says this has the potential to provide a new engine for future jobs and economic growth in Zambia.

Mr. Cheelo points out that the economic slowdown experienced since 2015, characterized by load shedding, currency depreciation and high government deficits, has adversely affected the Zambian labour market.

He says a nationally representative 2016 survey, carried out by ZIPAR, estimated that net job losses during the crisis period were around 6.5% of the workforce.

He states that while there are some indications of recovery recently, the challenge still remains.

Mr. Cheelo stresses that in the short-term there is a need to contain public sector expenditure in order to reduce the overall fiscal deficit.

He says to help achieve this, while also protecting the poorest Zambians, an IMF-supported Economic Recovery Programme is necessary.

He points that without IMF support, there will be less government funding to protect the poorest and to support growth.

Mr. Cheelo however, notes that a long-term plan for job-rich growth is also required.