Roosevelt Ogbonna the Deputy Group Managing Director of Access Bank shared at the 22nd Annual Africa Business Conference of the Harvard Business School, an intuitive and perceptive tips that would help shape and enhance the growth of Africa’s economy.
He shared five helpful tips to help the continent’s economy to grow vigorously. He stated that according to the World Bank’s estimate, the infrastructure gap between Africa and the world can only be bridged in 14 years with the whopping sum of $88 billion.
Following this, Africa needs to start putting her natural resources to wise use other rather than just talk about its abundance. Africa needs to wake up from her slumber and effectively utilize its human and natural resources to jolt its economy.
Roosevelt Ogbonna also used a quote from the famous Nigerian novelist, poet, professor, and critic to drive home his second point of the need for Africa to tell her own story in the truest form and by her own self so as to change the perspective of people about the continent.
“Until the lion tells his side of the story, the tale of the hunt will always glorify the hunter.”- Chinua Achebe.
He tagged the theme of his third tip to be ‘building innovations’. Africa needs to build inventive and innovative products that won’t only solve the current problem posed as a threat to the economy, but innovative products that will solve the present and future problems.
There is a burning need for Africa to dream big. Dreams propel innovations that can transform the world into a better place. Most importantly he added that the execution of these inventive and innovation should not be blinded by favouritism.
The fourth point talks about inclusiveness. A society that is inclusive involves and empowers both women and children while developing and piloting the society towards growth. So Africa must focus on sustainability and inclusiveness. He encouraged Africans not to foster the spirit of political apathy.
For the African vision to be enabled, we need citizens that are visionary leaders. Then finally, the Deputy Group Managing Director spoke on Unity. This is a state of being united. African leaders need to work together as synergy will drive a better output, especially on trade agreements.
He made reference to all the work put in by Access bank to drive and pilot the country towards growth and sustainability. This includes the “W” Initiative, partnership with Ford Foundation and Global Citizen.
