UB Professor outlines the key
An Economics Professor at the University of Botswana (UB), Happy Siphambe believes there are three keys to achieving transformation: strong leadership, political will and a clear vision that translates into implementable programmes.
Speaking at the recent Intra-African Trade Fair (IATF), Prof Siphambe mentioned Singapore and Malaysia as good examples of countries that have achieved this.
“The Innovation system in Singapore is centrally managed, innovation policies are coordinated at the level of the Prime Minister,” he highlighted.
The highly-respected educator applauded the commitment shown by the African leadership at the Trade Fair towards the transformation agenda.
“There is, however, need for support in terms of implementation of the changes that are required to support free trade,” he added.
Siphambe also called for a clear policy direction, noting visions have to be translated into clearly articulated policies that will guide concrete plans and programmes of action.
He further advised government to form links with the private sector.
“Government can take steps to ensure that the local private sector benefit from Multinational Corporation led innovation through technology transfer and knowledge exchanges,” he said.
IATF is described as the key event boosting trade in Africa and brings together the private and public sectors to showcase their goods under one roof.
This year’s theme focused on the newly-launched African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) – a single market for goods and services across 55 countries, aimed at boosting trade and investment.