How do we reduce unemployment?

IMF's Masood Ahmed on potential policy prescriptions for unemployment in Central Asia :

A good starting point is to develop better labor statistics, which would help policymakers get a firmer grip on the scale and scope of the unemployment problem and, in turn, help them formulate policies to tackle it.

On a basic level, governments in the region could do more to nurture private-sector development, particularly in sectors outside of mining, oil, and gas. Countries in the Caucasus and Central Asia have made important strides in improving the business environment, but many still lag behind on several indicators, especially the ease of trading across borders—in such areas as the number of documents, procedures, and days needed to export and import. And the region’s low scores on several widely cited governance indicators show that these governments still have work to do on eliminating corruption.

All of these policies could form part of a longer-term strategy for attracting investment and creating jobs in the region. Such a plan is vital, because growth alone is not enough.

It is also important to focus on delivering appropriate education to fit the needs of the economy. To that end, improving education systems to better equip young people with the skills demanded by the marketplace would help solve the skills mismatch problem, where it exists.

We are currently thinking about the same issue in the context of Zambia as part of our Readers Weekly - here and here. A synthesis from these ongoing discussions will be published in due course. What is interesting is that there's nothing magical suggested by Masood Ahmed, but the starting point is cardinal and this is where the previous MMD government failed when it refused to accept proposed legislation to improve employment statistics.  Without data its fruitless to even begin to tackle the problem.

Zambia Budget 2012 - Yellow Book Estimates

The comprehensive line by line annual activity 2012 budget as published in the Yellow Book (2049 pages). This is an invaluable resource for anyone who wants to know where the Government money will be going in 2012.

Zambia Budget 2012 Yellow Book of Estimates

Zambia Analysis Magazine

A new magazine that shares our vision to inject proper analysis in the public debate. This is not a Zambian Economist project but we are hoping to contribute at least one article per month. We may also recommend some of our contributors to write. This is a good way to expand influence and it's all part of our new vision, "creating a better Zambia, one idea at a time".  Embedded below is the November 2011 version, which is going out for free. The magazine is printed as a hard copy and sold in stores across the country. Future versions will be available digitally (by subscription). You can keep in touch with Zambia Analysis via their Facebook page. 

Zambia Analysis-2011 11 Web

Corruption Watch (Banda Adminstration), 2nd Edition

More revelations of the rampant nepotism and organised plunder that took place under President Banda. The Post is reporting that former Mines Minister Maxwell apparently instructed his ministry officials to favour fellow minister Gabriel Namulambe, then inspector general of police Francis Kabonde and former defence permanent secretary Nicholas Kwendakwema with mining rights contrary to the law.

In a letter signed on December 21, 2010 to the Director of Mines and the Director of Geological Survey, Mr Mwale ordered the two officials to give Gabriel Namulambe, the then Minister of Works and Supply, mining rights for areas in Luapula and North/Western Provinces. In June 29, 2011, Mr Mwale instructed the two officials to favour Mr Kabonde, Dr Kwendakwema and others with mining rights in Mumbwa District, west of Lusaka, in Central Province. More detail via the Post. 

A nation that locks up babies, 2nd Edition

Deputy Minister of Mother and Child Health Jean Kapata discovered the national hobby of locking up infants in prison is alive and well, during her tour of Lusaka Central Prison last week:

"Our main interest is the children who are in prison because their mothers have been incarcerated. We will sit down with the Ministry of Home Affairs and come up with lasting solutions....the Department of Social Welfare is mandated to look after children who are in prison with their incarcerated mothers and any other vulnerable ones, hence our stake in the prisons".

We have children being born and staying in congested prisons. A shameful situation that we have previously flagged up. At Lusaka Central Prison alone, there are "three boys and three girls and a newly-born baby". This is at a prison which was built in 1924 to hold less than 240 inmates but now has 1,162 inmates. There appears little prospect that the new Government will sort this situation out urgently because for a start issues of related to prison reforms are not in the PF manifesto and never got mentioned in the President's speech. 

This practice apart from being a violation of human rights is also economically foolish. We are raising prisoners - how will these children grow up? We are current preparing a paper on juvenile justice addressing this issue and the low minimum age of criminal responsibility. 

Mine Watch (Munali)

The nation's sole nickel mine, Munali Nickel Mine, which halted operations earlier this month after experiencing cash flow problems, is expected to resume production in January 2012 after completing the ongoing restructuring program. The company expects to get a suitable investment partner to recapitalize the mine by the end of December. More detail via Market Watch.

Readers Weekly : Tujilijili - To Ban or Not to Ban?

Tujilijili has apparently become a Zambian obsession especially among youths who use it as a tranquillising drug to "keep their demons at bay".  For the uninitiated, Tujilijili is a strong alcohol sold in a sachet for about K500 per sachet. The alcoholic content is over 40 per cent, equivalent to whiskey and other known spirit brands like Vodka. Some have been calling for the drink to be banned but without clearly explaining how such a ban would work (and financed) or indeed the rationale for a ban. This week, Local Government Minister Nkandu Luo said Government will soon make a comprehensive statement onTujilijili. 

To delve deeper into this issue, we asked our readers, whether the drink should be banned or alternative regulation is needed. The following is a selected sample of “properly identified" responses :

Mweemba Mwiinde :

No! They should not be banned. The problem is not the quality of the content but rather the packaging. Naturally, liquor should be packaged in big bottles that command a higher price. If anything becomes too affordable, it becomes a problem. Johnnies is as good or bad a Brandy as any other. I have tried it. Problem is it is affordable to all and it is therefore abuses. Consider the company that makes these Tujilijili pays taxes, employes people that have families to feed and educate. What becomes of them?

Aviation Watch (New Routes)

KLM Royal Dutch Airlines are entering the Zambia - Europe market, is move that signals greater competition to British Airways dominance. It announced this week that it will make its first flight to Lusaka from Amsterdam on May 15, 2012, using the Airbus A330-200. It will  be departing from Schiphol (Airport) on Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Saturdays at 12:30 hours, arriving in Lusaka the same day at 22:10 hours. The return fligh will depart Lusaka at 23:55 hours on Tuesday, Thursday, and Saturday nights and arrive in Amsterdam at 09:55 hours the next morning. The  new route creates a direct link between Zambia’s flourishing flower industry and the Netherlands, which is the largest junction in the worldwide flower industry. It will also boost the growth of Zambia’s tourism as it offers a wide variety of tourist attractions.

The potential for Zambia to emerge as a credible second aviation hub for the SADC behind South Africa cannot be underestimated. Zambia has a unique geographical advantage that should be harnessed by an effective aviation policy. A key challenge is to ensure that safety remains paramount. Which is why this latest pronouncement by Transport, Works, Supply and Communications Minister Yamfwa Mukanga is much needed. The lack of radar equipment for airports in the
 country is not a way to encourage an emerging hub. Similarly, as the Minister has noted in the past, having a stronger domestic carrier is also vital. The best way to do that of course is to follow the models elsewhere in emerging economies where public and private partnerships have ensured a strong aviation industry.

Corruption Watch (Banda Administration)

The fight against corruption seems to be gaining momentum as Inspector General Malama uncovers Austin Liato's hidden stash of K2.1bn.

An Economic Sabotage

A media report on the ZAMTEL Commission findings :

The Post has some other interesting revelations, including this statement :

"On RP Capital, the recommendation of the commission of inquiry was that a civil lawsuit be immediately instituted to recover the excess fees paid to RP Capital. It also recommended that RP Capital, its affiliates and employees must be immediately barred from conducting business in Zambia. It was also recommended that a civil lawsuit be immediately instituted against RP Capital and Simmons and Simmons for professional misconduct and negligence in qualifying LAP Green despite LAP Green's failing of all the three mandatory prequalification criteria."

How do we bring the informal sector in the fold?

"To improve access to economic opportunities and achieve more inclusive growth, policy makers will need to reduce the costs and burdens of entering the formal economy. Changing labor regulations can make it less expensive for employers to hire workers formally. More straightforward rules for establishing and operating a business will encourage entrepreneurs to start businesses on a formal basis. Enforcing the rules fairly and consistently means that firms share not only the responsibilities but also the benefits of operating formally. Simpler tax regulations and stronger administration will complement these reforms. At the same time, workers in the informal sector will need help in acquiring the skills demanded by the formal sector". 

IMF's Masood Ahmed on how to bring the informal sector in the fold. The policy suggestions seem fairly sensible and quite obvious. The clear problem for many governments, including our own, is that to tackle informality requires sacrificing today (e.g. through lowering taxes, reducing fees) for larger benefits tomorrow. Governments who are long term minded therefore always do better at tackling informality. The citizens may not always give them that long. 

Should Tujilijili be banned?

Tujilijili (or Tujiri jiri) is apparently becoming a Zambian obsession especially among youths who use them as a tranquillising drug to "keep their demons at bay". Tujilijili is a strong alcohol sold in a sachet for about K1, 000 per sachet. The alcoholic content is over 40 per cent, equivalent to whiskey and other known spirit brands like vodka and brandy.

There has been some calls for this drink to be banned. This week we are asking - should it be banned? What are the costs and benefits of doing so? How would such a ban be enforced?

A sample of responses from "properly identified persons" will be published under the Readers Weekly column.

Those on Facebook can leave their comments here.

Legal Empowerment

A recent piece argues that the fight against poverty cannot be sustainable unless it is accompanied by "legal empowerment". This embodies legal arrangements that create a  sustainable between citizens and the state by empowering citizens to hold public institutions accountable. In practice it means ensuring "that laws and policies reside not only in books or courtrooms, but also on the street and in the home, within the grasp of every person". The argument is a variant of  Acemoglu - Robinson  thesis which says that for poverty to reduce there must be a fundamental redistribution of power within society. Legal empowerment is vital component in that it levels the playing field (if properly done). The lesson for Zambia is that we can't claim to  serious about reducing poverty without a well articulated legal and justice reform programme. In my view this remains a large hole in the new Government programme.

Legal Power to the People, Vivek Maru, Project Syndicate, Commentary :

Inspired by Anna Hazare’s hunger strike, thousands of people gathered at Ramlila Grounds in New Delhi to protest governmental corruption. Protesters here and around the country pressed for a specific political change – a new institution to combat corruption– and, in principle, they won. Parliament passed a resolution accepting their demands and is now drafting a bill accordingly.

Justice that Heals (Guest Blog)

It is good that the source of MMD campaign funds is being probed. The excessive use of funds in the election was an insult to our people who are living in overwhelming levels of poverty. Over 60% of Zambians live in abject poverty. It was disheartening to see trees clothed with bright blue campaign materials while those who walked by were dressed in rags.

Many Zambians were confused. How can a political party sponsor such a lavish in a nation where two thirds of its people live in frightening poverty! Where did they get money to buy thousands of bicycles, millions of t-shirts, and dozens of vehicles? Who funded all the buses and where did they get the millions they paid for billboards and state of the art advertising? Many have suggested that two months prior to the elections the MMD was spending more money on their campaign than the government itself.

Where is the Windfall Tax?

Many people were demanding that the Zambian people should benefit from the country’s mineral wealth. They were expecting the PF Government to adequately tax the Mining Sector to generate financial resources in order to provide better roads, schools, hospitals and other infrastructure. The people were calling for the re-introduction of windfall tax on copper revenue. With copper prices remaining above US$7,000 per tonne, the mines are still gaining unexpected income which is above the planned threshold of US$2,500 to US$3,000 per tonne to make profit. The PF campaigned on the platform of re-introducing the windfall tax. What has changed?

From UPND's assessment of  Budget 2012. You can read the rest here. 

Konkola Copper Mines Vs. Nyasulu and Others

An important High Court ruling where KCM was ordered to pay K10 billion as general and punitive damages to 2, 000 Chingola residents who suffered consequences of the company discharging effluent from its mining operations into Kafue River, the source of their water. The case was actively championed for the people by James Nyasulu Chimkowora.

Konkola Copper Mines Vs Nyasulu and Others

Preventing Corruption and Freedom of Information

A recent JCTR article makes the following observations on the link between fighting corruption and the Freedom of Information (FOI) Bill :

Promoting the right to freedom of expression is another way of preventing corruption. This right facilitates participation and it is significant to all the efforts we enlist in our fight against corruption. Government can then make certain that free flow of information is allowed. This would encourage us to denounce corruption cases. Yet since most of the information we may receive is transmitted through reporters and editors, who can be bribed, it may not be enough that we simply advocate for the protection of these rights. Information is vital to preventing corruption. If the people have a right and access to public information, then they can know what is going on in their society and hence be able to freely and actively participate in the fight against corruption. It is for this reason that the Freedom of Information Bill becomes law and be enshrined in the constitution.

There are three fundamental problems with the above assessment.

The Rise of African Aviation

A recent piece argues that despite lacklustre safety records and incomplete liberalisation, air travel in Africa is showing signs of taking off. This does appear to the case - we are beginning to see African airlines now competing in the long haul market (where returns are high). African airlines are acquiring new widebody airliners at a greater rate than the global airline average. Last year, 32 per cent of African airline demand was for widebodies, as against 23 per cent for the global industry. This has led to new routes. In 2006, there were only 32 weekly flights involving just eight city pairs between the whole of Africa and the USA. By last year, these figures had jumped to 67 weekly flights between 14 city pairs. And a lot of these flights were by African airlines. An area for expansion is Europe - Africa pair where European legacy carriers continue to dominate through restriction of appropriate land slots and lobbying African governments at the expense of African carriers. Unfortunately, the article does not touch on these issues - but still worth a read. 

African Airlines Braced for Takeoff, Pauline Sabatini, Think Africa Press, Commentary :

On July 8 2011 a Hewa Bora Airways aircraft, operated by a private Congolese company, crashed in bad weather after missing the runway at Kisangani airport, killing 127 people. Although blacklisted by the EU and the US, Hewa Bora had long been considered the best of the DRC’s airlines, but this means little in a country which holds the world record for aircraft crashes.

Is Chinese farming history misapplied in Africa?

A fascinating article looking at what if any Africa should be learning from China's agriculture history. It naturally concludes that "this is not the first time that sub-Saharan Africa has been sold a set of flawed policies based on a misreading of another region's history and experiences". And therefore, there's need for "Africa's leaders ought to carefully study their comparative world history before accepting this advice". 

China's Farming History Misapplied in Africa, William G. Moseley, IPS, Commentary :

As sub-Saharan Africa grapples with high food prices in some regions and famine in others, many experts argue that increasing food production through a programme of hybrid seeds and chemical inputs is the way to go.

This approach, marketed as a "New Green Revolution" for Africa, is increasingly supported by a triumphant telling of China's history with this method in the 1970s and 1980s. This Chinese success story is not only distorted, but it is being misapplied in Africa.

A crisis of economics?

A recent piece suggests that the current crisis of capitalism has exposed the need for big picture economics. Until economics revisits its roots, it will fail to come up with an alternative economic system to replace capitalism. There are three problems with the basic thesis as presented. First, many economists pretty much think from a systems perspective. It seems to me that what policy makers take on board is not always aligned with how economists think day to day. Second, the word "capitalism" does not help because what we have is not pure capitalism as narrowly understood. Finally, it is not immediately clear that the real revolution needed is in economics. A strong case can be made that the crisis is much about the crisis of "democracy" than it is about economics. The events taking place will leave their lasting impact not so much on economic thinking but on how individuals in the western world relate to their governments. With those caveats, see the essay below :

Wanted: Worldly Philosophers, RogerBackhouse & Bradley Bateman, New York Times, Commentary :

It's become commonplace to criticize the “Occupy” movement for failing to offer an alternative vision. But the thousands of activists in the streets of New York and London aren’t the only ones lacking perspective: economists, to whom we might expect to turn for such vision, have long since given up thinking in terms of economic systems — and we are all the worse for it.

From China with abuse

"I asked, “What have I done wrong?” and [the supervisor] replied, “Don’t you know you’re not supposed to talk, you’re a slave.” [My boss] and his supervisor spoke in Chinese for several minutes, and then he said I was fired. After being fired, I went to the safety officer and took him to the workplace. Then I went to see the HR [human resources] officer, who confirmed that he had been to the site where the problem started. He was very defensive of the Chinese, he didn't even address the issue of working near the fire without fire safety equipment. HR told me to go home, that they would finish their investigations. I have taken the case to court..."

From a new hard hitting report on the human rights abuse of Chinese companies in Zambia. Sadly, all of this is nothing new to many of our readers. Nevertheless it is useful to have a report that independently brings to these issues. The recommendations there are also useful, particularly the need to increase monetary fines and increase capacity at the Ministry of Mines in relation to safety. 

Constitution and Media Reform

An interesting and balanced Op'ed in the Post on constitutional and media reform by Sichuwa Sichuwa :

Constitutional and media reforms, Sishuwa Sishuwa, The Post, Commentary :

Last week, a wall of silence over the constitution-making process and public media reforms was broken by two major official pronouncements from senior government officials. One was from Minister of Justice Sebastian Zulu who proffered that the constitution-making process will take more than ninety days, contrary to the PF slogan of completing the process within that period of coming to power.

Zambia Budget 2012

The Finance Minister, Hon Alexander Chikwanda delivered the Budget Statement today. Further analysis to follow, but key changes appears to be the increase in tax exemption on PAYE; increase in mineral royalty taxation; and, general re-prioritisation of spending on the four priority sectors identified in the recent President Speech. There's also commitment to the usual fiscal and monetary arrangements. Those interested in taxation only should see Budget Highlights. The rest should regard this as compulsory reading over the weekend!  [Those on handheld devices who want a word version should drop us an email - cho@zambian-economist.com]

2012 Budget Address by Hon Chikwanda

Zambia 2012 Budget Highlights

Skills Training in Zambia

Former Minister Abel Chambeshi has an interesting Op'ed that calls for increased skills training through introduction of a training levy. The idea had allegedly been tried and opposed in the past, but the renewed quest to tackle unemployment may see the idea back on the table. Unfortunately, the article does not explore the downside of such an approach, including being a de-facto taxes on business. That said, the idea of a sustainable fund for skills and training is attractive, though the benefits to contributing businesses themselves are somewhat overstated. The idea is better coined from a national angle rather than trying to justify that this is in the interests of the businesses. 

The call for increased training in Zambia, Abel M.Chambeshi, Times of Zambia, Commentary :

It is so refreshing to hear His Excellency Mr Michael Sata include Skills training and self employment for young Entrepreneurs, as primary tasks that will occupy the attention of his administration during his term of office.

2011 Human Development Report

The UN released recently released its new edition of its human development index (HDI) report. The HDI represents a push for a broader definition of well-being and provides a composite measure of three basic dimensions of human development: health, education and income. Zambia's HDI is 0.430, which gives puts us at the rank of 164 out of 187 countries with comparable data. The HDI of Sub-Saharan Africa as a region is 0.463, placing Zambia below the regional average.  

You can access the Zambia report here. 

Collective Repentance

The Times of Zambia acknowledges its shameful behaviour in recent past :

It is no exaggeration to State that the public media, which is expected to act as public watchdogs so as to strengthen checks and balances, has often been mocked by critics as Government lapdogs because of its servile attitude.

In the recent past, the two State-owned dailies—the Times of Zambia and Zambia Daily Mail-- became conduits of crude and grotesque propaganda emanating from the MMD and targeting the most popular opposition figure at the time, who triumphed in the presidential election. The litany of unethical and unprofessional practices that have been documented is long. Suffice it to say that the current ownership pattern of the public media has eroded professionalism and undermined the country’s democratic dispensation. This situation has to be reversed to restore credibility and lend credence to the whole concept of “public media.” If the concept of public media is to have real meaning, the ownership has to reflect the diversity of our country.

Political pluralism would be rendered a farce without a media freed from the encumbrances of State ownership, and enjoying unfettered freedom to check the politicians’propensity to abuse power. Once the envisaged reforms are implemented, we believe the public media would be better positioned to play its role in a democratic political set-up such as the one which obtains in Zambia. In the broadcasting sector, we strongly believe that the national broadcaster, ZNBC, should similarly be transformed into a public broadcaster along the same lines as the BBC in the United Kingdom. Government monopoly in the media sector is a carry-over from the old political order during single party rule. This is incompatible with the current democratic dispensation and, therefore, untenable.

It is refreshing to read such an honest examination. But more important is that the Times of Zambia recognises the intrinsic link between ownership and media independence. The current Government is to be commended for taking a bold step in this direction, though questions still remain on the details. In particular, there's need to avoid a piece meal approach to media reform. We need a White Paper on media policy that can be consulted on and then decisions should be made. In the mean time, its great to have our papers back! 

A lost precious stones industry, 2nd Edition

Minister of Mines Wilbur Simuusa last week suggested that Zambia has the capacity to earn about US$700 million from the precious stones market. That dwarfs any amount being collected currently from copper mining. In his words, "The gemstone sector can contribute about US$700 million if properly managed…Government will ensure that sanity is brought in the sector...We want to put the sector in motion. Firstly, there is need to revive the semi precious and precious stones association to boost growth of the sector..". For further discussion of the current problems facing the precious stones industry, see the first edition. 

Wider benefits of education

A recent VoX EU piece reviews a growing body of literature that points to the wider benefits of education e.g. reduction in crime rates, improvement in health and greater civic participation. Unfortunately much of the evidence is US based, but useful nevertheless. 

The impacts of education on crime, health and mortality, and civic participation, Lance Lochner, Project Syndicate, Commentary :

Given recent budget problems around the world, many governments have proposed sharp cuts to education. What are the likely long-run costs of these cuts? Growing evidence suggests that the lasting impacts of reductions in early childhood investments, school quality, and educational attainment among today’s youth are likely to extend beyond declines in future productivity and earnings. Crime rates are likely to increase, health and mortality are likely to deteriorate, and political and social institutions may suffer.

How should Government go about reducing unemployment?

The biggest challenge facing the current government is reducing unemployment. The budget this week will inevitably begin to address it.

This problem is not unique to Zambia, though it is quite severe in our case. Only 2% of the the Zambian workforce force is in the formal sector (that is to say gainfully employed and paying tax).

As part of the readers weekly column, we are asking:

How should government go about tackling unemployment?

What policies should they implement to decisively and expediently deal with this issue?

Those on Facebook can leave there comments here.

Fighting Corruption

A recent article by South African based Institute of Security Studies touches on the issues we have touched here, particularly the relevant of SMS and hotlines in offering efficient and accessible way for members of the public to report abuse. 

Hotlines, salaries and corruption, Darly Balia, Institute of Security Studies, Commentary:

There was a time a few decades ago when some writers argued a case that corruption might actually bring benefits to society and for that reason tolerated, but these voices have since been silenced. What is less certain is which of the 'best practices' are commendable for its control and prevention in the developing world.

Readers Weekly : Tackling Traffic Police Corruption

The Zambia Police Service in collaboration with the Road Transport and Safety Agency are planning to set up a new system for payment of fines for traffic offences in effort to curb corruption. According to Inspector-General of Police Martin Malama the aim is to “discourage the practice of paying money to police officers when a traffic offence has been committed”. How this will work in practice is not clear, but one idea he is considering is for erring motorists to be issued with tickets that can be paid at a bank.

Traffic police are widely regarded as the most corrupt element in the police force and tackling the scourge there would send a strong message that the police is being reformed. To delve deeper into this issue, we asked our readers via Facebook, website and email, whether the latest efforts would succeed and if there other ways that need to be explored. The following is a selected sample of “properly identified" responses:

Kondwani Gondwe :

Changing the method of payment is not the solution to stop traffic corruption. It appears like the Inspector General does not know the problem at hand. He should first carry out a survey and ask motorists (especially bus drivers) what the problem really is. Then the police can design a mechanism to curb the problem. The traffic police are taking advantage of the high charges which most motorist would rather not pay and the ignorance of the traffic law. Traffic police make up silly cases to pin offenders for their gain. In my opinion, traffic police are just out to make money and have very little to do with police work. We know that high ranking officer in the police force even set target per week to the patrol officers. Where is the corruption? Right inside the police force not on the road. Will changing the method of payment change anything? it is a good step but maybe in conjunction with other measures.

End of Parastatal Madness?

"Business as usual is over, we all have to pull our socks and roll our sleeves to sustain our institutions. As ZWAMA, you will be entitled to settle all your costs and build a fund that will enable you buy the equipment you require to operate to full capacity...To survive, there is need to change…from 2012 we expect you to be independent and if you want salary increment, work for it. Every deductions taking place whether National Pensions Scheme Authority (NAPSA) or Zambia Revenue Authority (ZRA) should be remitted.."

Commerce Minister Bob Sichinga is drawing a line on parastatals and regulators that have depended on Government grants. From 2012 they are expected to sustain themselves to allow more more to be channelled to poverty reduction. The announcement was prompted by Zambia Weights and Measures Agency (ZWAMA) predicament of being in need of about US$ 1.2 million to meet its capital requirement in the medium term and has a statutory debt of US$1m.

Women, Politics and Development (Guest Blog)

Modern democracy “has inexorably come to mean representative democracy” (Bratton and Van de Walle, 1997, 11). If so, can a system where more than half of the population remains severely under-represented count as a true democracy?

Currently, of the 150 members of parliament (MPs) in Zambia, 16 are women, or 10.7%. In the cabinet there are two female ministers out of 28, and only four female deputy ministers out of 18. And yet women constitute more than half of the total population. We say all the right things; have signed all manner of protocols declaring our commitment to the increased participation of women in the political arena and yet the evidence shows that we continue to lag behind. And in this last election, we lost previously made gains.

When we address the issue of representation, many argue that this is not necessarily about discrimination but rather that many women in general are apathetic about politics and choose not to participate. The inherent weakness of this argument is it fails to underscore the barriers that exist in women’s representation in the legislative and executive branches of government, and does not adequately explain women’s reticence to stand for office.

Does Redistributing Income Reduce Poverty?

Jagdish Bhagwati on the case for "growth-first". He believes the merit for redistribution lies less in its ability to reduce poverty, rather in its power to buy stability for the rich. Unfortunately the analysis is quite light. For example, it does not consider different forms of re-distribution or the wider empirical evidence on how growth is sustained in the absence of redistribution :

Does Redistributing Income Reduce Poverty? Jagdish Bhagwati, Project Syndicate, Commentary :

Many on the left are suspicious of the idea that economic growth helps to reduce poverty in developing countries. They argue that growth-oriented policies seek to increase gross national product, not to ameliorate poverty, and that redistribution is the key to poverty reduction. These assertions, however, are not borne out by the evidence.

Since the 1950’s, developmental economists have understood that growth in GNP is not synonymous with increased welfare. But, even prior to independence, India’s leaders saw growth as essential for reducing poverty and increasing social welfare. In economic terms, growth was an instrument, not a target – the means by which the true targets, like poverty reduction and the social advancement of the masses, would be achieved.