FOREWORD
Development planning in Malawi has since
independence in 1964 been guided by short to medium terms plans. Ten year
"Statement of Development Policies" provided the framework for preparing
these short to medium term plans. This approach, however, has resulted
in limited social and economic progress. Poverty has become wide spread,
provision of social services has increasingly become inadequate, and food
insecurity has increased. This situation has been worsened by the high
prevalence of HIV/AIDS. In addition, macroeconomic variables like government
budget deficit and the balance of payments have not been satisfactory.
Malawi risks losing some of the progress made, if the prevailing trends
are not arrested.
It is now recognized that, in the
absence of long term shared Vision, it will be very difficult to make meaningful
progress.
I am pleased that using the participatory
approach Malawi has completed a study of its development prospects. Vision
2020 should not be a mere slogan, rather it should evoke our determination
to create a better future for Malawi.
I urge all of us to be forthcoming
when it comes to translating this Vision of a prosperous Malawi into reality.
DR. BAKILI MULUZI
PRESIDENT OF
THE REPUBLIC OF MALAWI