By CHILA NAMAIKO –
AN ECONOMIC analyst is optimistic that Zambia’s economic performance will rebound and has called for positive criticism among politicians to enable the country attract more economic investments.

. DODIA

Yusuf Dodia, who is also Private Sector Development Association (PSDA) chairperson, said Zambia’s economy can pick up, once Government remained resolute in implementing more economic austerity measures and policies in the National Budget.
Mr Dodia in an interview yesterday, called for hard work among the people of Zambia and stakeholders to help stabilise the economy as the country heads to the polls.
“We have remained with a short period before the country goes to the polls, but we can do better to improve the economy despite some economic challenges we have,” he said.
He urged politicians to offer constructive criticism to contribute to national economic development unlike issuing disparaging statements that had potential to derail investors’ confidence.
Mr Dodia called for dialogue among political players to foster peace and unity, which were fundamental in attracting foreign investment in key economic sectors in Zambia.
“I think it’s important that as we go towards the general elections, politicians should stick to constructive criticism against each other during campaigns so that there is no threat to investors’ investments in Zambia,” he said.
He said political campaigns derailing Zambia’s investment climate were off-beam, because foreign investors were fully aware that Zambia was a safe investment destination.
He said the forthcoming elections should not bring divisions among the people of Zambia, hence the need to embrace unity to continue creating conducive investment opportunities.
He challenged politicians to exhibit maturity and soberness during campaigns, with a focus on advancing the economy to uplift the living standards of Zambians.