The home team lost by 31-36 points in the debate organized by aconsortium of Economic Association of Malawi (ECAMA), Oxfam in Malawi and LUANAR with support from the European Union

The debate which took place on 20th August 2021 in the School of Engineering auditorium at MUBAS, was held under the theme “#Youth engagement in Public Finance Management; A catalyst for Transparent, Accountable, Efficient and Effective PFM System”. 

In the debate students tussled over the question “Should government still follow public finance management guidelines amidst Covid-19?” 

From MUBAS, it was Wongani Mhango, Alester K Monjeza, Martin Manyozo and Christina Mabvuto as opposers while Fatso Makuluni, Samuel Mphande, Precious Bengo and Jenifer Mwenebanda represented University of Malawi as Proposers.

Speaking in an interview ECAMA representative, Emmanuel Banda, said it is very crucial to conduct such university debate competitions. He added that University Students’ debates is one of the best platforms through which people, especially the youths, can get to know and play their roles as citizens.

“We annually organize such events to provide opportunity to the students from different universities to interface and exchange ideas on public finance Management. The ideas will in turn help on how best we can improve on our development goals” said Banda in part.

On his part, one of the MUBAS students, Martin Manyozo, who also took part in the debate thanked ECAMA for the project.

Said Manyozo “It is a huge privilege for us and also every Malawian youth. We have discussed issues that will help to ensure how our funds like taxes are used. Therefore, the knowledge we have shared will enable us trace utilization of our financial resources and hold those in power accountable”

The event is organized annually by European Union under one of its projects called “Enhanced Evidence-based research to inform policy decision making in Public Finance Management”. ECAMA is spearheading the implementation of the project in a consortium which include OXFAM, LUANAR and ECAMA itself.