The 6 week long research visit allowed Dr. Hussein and Mr. Sambo to work towards joint publications with Prof. Dan Banik at SUM, as well revise curriculum for the MPAM programme jointly implemented by the two institutions. The researchers also attended various meetings and seminars while in Oslo, including the launch of the World Development Report 2018: Learning to Realize Education's Promise, where the Norwegian Minister of Foreign Affairs, Ine Eriken Søreide, gave the introductory statement.
While at SUM, Dr. Hussein and Mr. Sambo also gave thought provoking presentations on their ongoing research related to economic and democratic governance in Malawi. Using the Malawi Public Service as a case, Dr. Hussein argued that the disposition of political and bureaucratic leadership, the lack of finance and skilled labor as well as rampant corruption in both political and administrative circles are the major hurdles facing policy implementation in Malawi. Mr. Sambo, presenting a study looking at the re-traditionalization of the state in Malawi, demonstrated the high levels of trust among Malawians towards traditional leadership as compared to democratically elected officials and institutions. He argued that the major factor behind the resurgence of traditional authorities in Malawi has been the emergence of a weak party system in the democratic dispensation. Publications related to these studies are expected in 2018.
