Consumption of local products will spur growth

Editor, This is a well articulated interpretation of Africa in years ahead of us. However, talking of raw materials in this century as a potential economic driver for development brings back the rhetoric of early 60s and 70s immediately after independence. The fact is the ethics in international business — blackmail of Africa when it is business, and market principles “cease” to operate when Africa is benefiting. It is high time Africans started consuming what they produce. It is high time we started drinking our tea, coffee and leaders should demonstrate this. Business leaders should advocate for this. East Africa has taken the lead through Northern Corridor initiatives; West Africa and South Africa should not miss intra-Africa potential. African governments should invest in decentralised governance; the dividends of decentralised governance come as a result of local economic development. To be precise, governance from bottom to top not the other way round will take Africa to where we need it, creating a united African voice. Africa can do more and beyond the magnitude skeptics can imagine, however, there should be “fair play” in global business. Without it, World Bank and other global giants’ slogans, development models will remain words. Development for African will not come on a silver plate; we have to work for it, it should be now or never. Generations to come will not excuse us if ever we do not harness this opportune time on our side where the entire world is looking at African for the global economic revival. Justus Reaction to the story, “Economic growth in Africa may exceed five per cent in 2015-16 — World Bank” (The New Times, October 7)

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Consumption of local products will spur growth