MEFMI Celebrates 30 Years of Building Capacity in Eastern and Southern Africa

By Ilyana Sithole

The Macroeconomic and Financial Management Institute of Eastern and Southern Africa (MEFMI) marked a significant milestone this week, celebrating its 30th anniversary in Harare. Established in 1994 as a group of visionary senior officials from Central Banks and Ministries of Finance and Economic Planning, MEFMI has evolved into a leading regional capacity-building institution.

Over the past three decades, MEFMI has established itself as a beacon of excellence in capacity development, providing cutting-edge training to thousands of professionals, policymakers, and researchers across the region through its flagship programs: the Macroeconomic Management Programme, the Debt Management Programme, and the Financial Sector Management Programme. These programs have equipped countless individuals with skills to navigate complex economic challenges.

MEFMI’s capacity-building initiatives have been particularly successful, engaging approximately 11,000 beneficiaries over the past seven to eight years. The institute’s Fellows Development Programme has also trained and graduated around 200 Fellows, with about 70 currently active. This program aims to create a regional pool of expertise across various specializations for member countries to utilize.

In addition to capacity building, MEFMI has conducted extensive research and analysis to inform policymaking and enhance macroeconomic management. The institute has also fostered regional cooperation, addressing shared economic concerns and promoting regional integration. Furthermore, MEFMI serves as a platform for exchanging knowledge and best practices, contributing to the region’s overall development.

MEFMI’s Executive Director, Dr. Louis Kasekende, expressed gratitude to the institute’s 15-member countries for their unwavering support and commitment. “Looking ahead, MEFMI remains dedicated to promoting macroeconomic stability and financial management excellence,” he stated. “We are committed to staying at the forefront of emerging trends and challenges, adapting our programs and services to meet the evolving needs of our member countries.”

As MEFMI looks to the future, it remains committed to being a driving force for positive change in the Eastern and Southern African region. With continued support from member countries and staff dedication, MEFMI will continue to build sustainable human and institutional capacity, fostering best practices for prudent macroeconomic and financial management.