Political will and space key to success of ‘Economic Dream Team’

The formation of the National Economic Council (NEC) and appointment of local and international experts to serve in the advisory board is a welcome idea.

The advisory team made of nine experts (albeit all men) with impeccable academic and professional experience attests to the government’s commitment to jumpstarting the economy through sound and professional economic and financial advice.

However, as the saying goes, the proof of the pudding is in the eating. The success of the newly unveiled ‘dream team’ absolutely hinges on the political will and space accorded to them going forward. The know-it-all attitude and selfish interests of custodians of status quo which have so often repelled professionalism and bred apathy among professionals in joining the public service in Somalia must be resisted to the letter.

President Mohamed Farmaajo and Prime Minister must spare no efforts in creating a favourable environment for the Council to ensure it delivers in accordance with its mandate. They must shield this team from political interference and any other form of hinder especially as political formations gradually take shape in the country ahead of 2020 elections. The two leaders must also adequately resource the Economic Policy Analysis Unit (EPAU) which works as the secretariat of the NEC.

The success of the NEC and its advisory team is in the best interest of this country.