09 Oct 2019

Even though many African countries such as Botswana are hailed as growing, it is impossible for them to participate in the global space individually.

This was said by international speaker and lawyer, Professor Patrick Lumumba at the 4th annual career elevation summit in Gaborone on October 8.

Prof Lumumba stated that Africa continued to compete globally divided which rendered it weak.

Noting that the continent was weak in several areas, he said there was need to survey them in order to appreciate the non-existent participation of Africa in the global arena.

For Africa to be a player in the global arena, the continent had to reorient and readdress its way of doing things, he said adding it had to be sufficiently organised to compete effectively.

Citing the agricultural sector, Prof Lumumba said many African countries prided themselves as producers of primary products yet still depended on rain-fed agriculture and as a result when the rains failed, there was also crop failure.

 Africa, he said, needed to add value to its agricultural produce and other products in order to participate in the global market.

Furthermore, he said Africa was not in control of its resources and could therefore not participate globally.

Prof Lumumba called on Africa to start asking fundamental questions and understand problems affecting and afflicting the continent and work as a team.

Africa’s Agenda 2063 should be the base for the realisation of potential for global participation, he said.

Prof Lumumba also called for democratic governance in Africa to allow people to participate. 

The continent should allow free movement of goods and labour within regions, he said.

For his part, Ministry of Presidential Affairs, Governance and Public Administration permanent secretary Mr Thuso Ramodimoosi, said the summit came at an opportune time for Botswana to reflect on achievements, tragedies and device strategies geared towards transforming the economy from middle to upper income status. 

He said the event offered opportunities for learning and expanding knowledge.

In addition, he said it would go a long way in addressing  current business challenges and help develop leadership skills in Botswana.

 

Organised by Progressive Institute,  the two-day summit was held under the theme: “Inspired Minds for the Future World of Work’. ENDS