SLEG engages stakeholders on new programme

The School of Law, Economics, and Government, through the Department of Politics and Government, conducted a stakeholder workshop in Blantyre at Moneymen on 20th December, 2024. The workshop was graced by the Dean of the School of LEG, Professor Happy Kayuni, and attended by staff members from the university as well as other stakeholders.

The workshop aimed to discuss and review a new programme being introduced by the school: the Master’s in Development Studies, with a specialization in Political Economy Analysis.

In his remarks, Professor Kayuni expressed gratitude to all attendees and shared that the school had conducted a training needs survey. Based on this survey, it was evident that an overwhelming number of stakeholders identified a need for the programme to address specific gaps and challenges in Malawi. He emphasized that inviting key stakeholders to provide feedback on the draft programme structure was a crucial step in the development process.

He further explained that the programme will have a duration of two years and will be offered in a blended mode, aligning with the University of Malawi’s strategic goal of increasing student enrolment and expanding access to education.

During the workshop, a presentation was delivered to review the draft programme, focusing on entry requirements, strategies to enhance its appeal, ways to ensure the programme stands out among others.

The programme seeks to integrate two essential elements – economics and politics – while addressing development challenges. It is designed to bring together professionals with diverse backgrounds in these fields in a holistic manner. It also aims to ensure that practitioners and policymakers are well-versed in how politics influences the economy, how the economy impacts politics, and how these dynamics affect development.

The target audience includes policymakers, individuals working in international organizations and NGOs, stakeholders involved in development, decision-makers, advisors, and researchers in institutions focusing on development.

Ms. Fundi Kayamba-Phiri, a Strategic Learning Lead at the International Food Policy Research Institute (IFPRI) under the Tikulane Project, commented that the programme is a valuable addition to the university’s existing offerings. She noted that it would attract a wide range of professionals, including those in her field of international development.

She further acknowledged the significant gap in political economy analysis within Malawi’s public sector, highlighting the importance of addressing critical national issues and understanding the political space and its role in development. She emphasized that having individuals trained as political economy analysts is essential for fostering meaningful changes in decision-making processes at both national and international levels.

“The interdisciplinary nature of the programme makes it a cross-cutting initiative, enabling students from diverse backgrounds in development studies to acquire skills that will allow them to contribute effectively in various public sectors,” she said.