AFRICAN BUSINESS LEADERS FORUM 2006
Day 1: Morning summary
Published: 18-OCT-06
CEO of Business in Africa, Everest Ekong
Welcome remarks
Is good leadership necessary for growth, and if so, what are the critical factors?
Former president of Zambia, Kenneth Kuanda
The role of governance in relation to economic growth
Although democracy was growing in African states, the state has failed to rule which is why there is still widespread conflict on the continent.
More effort needs to go into fighting HIV/Aids so that we don�t lose skilled people.
President of Rwanda, Paul Kagame
Lessons from Rwanda�s socio-economic and political reconstruction
It is important not to remain at the level of discussion and move off the drawing board. �The only drawing board that I am interested in is that of implementation.�
Needed to take ownership of reconstruction by implementing homegrown solutions.
�Rwandans need to learn to live
side-by-side again�
Seek investment in a safe environment in niche areas to establish a knowledge-based economy.
Modern infrastructure necessary.
Redefine politics to define effective framework for leadership and governance, and to move away from culture of dependence and expectation.
President of Uganda, Yoweri Museveni
Transitional leadership, stability and growth
Leadership the solution to bondage
Good leadership must deal with bottlenecks that have kept Africa back. Africans (Egyptians) pioneered civilization so why is Africa so far behind?
Bottlenecks: Population relative to size a disincentive to development; inability to sell developed products; small markets difficult to industrialise; stiffening private sector growth with government interference (policies and corruption); lack of independence in decision making;
Stability not enough for growth � Senegal far more stable than Unganda, but yet it
remains stagnant.
Inviting displaced Indians back has pushed growth.
ID system not for security alone, but important for economic growth as it enables lending.
Debate on economic growth
Kenneth Kaunda: Leadership needs commitment.
Paul Kagame: Leadership must have purpose � find problem and deal with it.
Yoweri Museveni: Vision, patriotism and knowledge. Private and political leadership different.
Chris Kirubi: Focus, commitment and fair-play. Private and political leadership really not all that different, but a belief that they are has made it difficult for private sector to realize and understand its political leaderships requirements. Must converge in developing economies.
Bill Egbe: Private sector leadership needs to engage with government to shape developmental agenda. Africa needs leaders with the moral fortitude to do what is right, to set themselves up as role models, to resist corruption.
Ekwow
Spoi-Garbrah: Leadership is contextual. First 50 years about liberation, must now move to economic independence. Need to realize that Africa missed the industrial age and cannot now afford to miss the knowledge age too. Leaders must build teams and groom people to take over from them.
Ali Mufuruki: Leadership the art of inspiring a small community to become a nation. Because leadership does not mean the same thing to everyone, leaders need to educate their people as to what they should expect from their leaders. Africa does not need a specific kind of leadership to deal with its problems.
Yoweri Museveni: Private sector led growth has worked well with starting small businesses. Perhaps now government needs to help kick-start larger businesses that require more effort to get started.
Paul Kagame: Private sector must take the lead, but an integrated approach is required as certain things need to be in place under the public sector's responsibilities.
Chris Kirubi:
Africa�s potential is enormous, but we lack implementers. Must grow economies to sustain population � most not produce uneducated people with no transport, housing or health. Must look for local investors as too much time spent serving countries outside.
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