Page 80 - Start Up_Genesis

Dr. Chike Madueke, NPOM- Nigeria

Chairman, African Industrial
Development Initiative

n the past century or more, industrialisation issues, fractured planning, lack of technology, poor
has passed from the technology of steam infrastructure, underdeveloped markets, negative
Iengines to the Internet age. Technology has attitudes and questionable political will.
continued to develop into new areas like robotics, For real advancement, it is critical to chart a
artificial intelligence and even 3D printing. For pathway from where we are now to where we
Africa, industrial and technological developments want to be in the foreseeable future. Essentially,
have remained merely a talking point for the past we need to plan. Reflecting on the past to uncover
five decades. As a matter of fact, it is beginning to our shortfalls, the obstacles encountered and
more look like a myth than a possibility. resultant effects should go hand in hand with
Where is Africa in the scheme of things? actually meeting and mitigating the challenges
Why has Africa remained underdeveloped, arising from this knowledge. Improvement
unindustrialised and unfulfilled despite numerous should be pursued individually and collectively as
summits, conferences and workshops? What are has recently been stoked by the current AfCAB
the challenges and how can we overcome them so endorsements; a strong signal that Africa is ready
the continent can forge ahead? to forge ahead.
Economists and social scientists have continued Going forward, a successful industrialisation of
to analyse Africa’s problems, recommending Sub-Saharan Africa is highly attainable only if the
similar strategies to different African countries at challenges can be readily identified, deciphered,
various stages of development. Yet the questions systematically isolated and tactically addressed.
have remained unanswered. Sub-Saharan Africa, Further attempts to solve African industrialisation
despite its potential and desires to spring into must come from within and should be anchored
development, has remained underdeveloped and on clearly articulated strategies in collaboration
un-industrialised. Major influencers include policy with willing countries.

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