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For Ghana, like other African countries, the Asian experience is instructive. There is a lot to be learned, built on, and challenged. It’s about time the country became more than the six-decade-long ‘hope of Africa’ poster child.
In November 2019, I attended a book review of The Asian Aspiration (see below) which highlights the lessons that Africa could learn, and not learn, from Asia. In other words, we do not have to do it alone, there are many lessons from Asia for Ghana.
This event, however, was one of the most enthralling conversations I had ever been party to. For instance, I shared a room with the likes of ex-Nigerian President, Olusegun Obasanjo; former Ethiopian PM, Hailemariam Desalegn; and a host of potential future presidents from Western and Southern Africa.
The Dialogue offered many insights into Asia’s development experience. This round table explored the role of history, politics, leadership, and concern for popular welfare in delivering prosperity in Asia. While intellectually stimulating, I thoroughly enjoyed the poignant ideas, friendly friction, and of course, diplomatic banter.
One key insight on the lessons from Asia for Ghana was the emphasis placed on debunking the phrase, “the Asian miracle.”
In other words, the experiences of the East Asian countries, were by no means a miracle. Their success was a result of sweat, tears, and intentional hard work. Serendipity maybe, but definitely not a miracle.
While we discussed many issues, the two main lessons from Asia for Ghana that specifically caught my attention include:
(i) Getting the basics right; and
(ii) The Premium of Leadership.
Check out my thoughts from this memorable round table in the link below, or here.
Also, get to know me!
Read More Here
Disclaimer: This post was published on the Daily Maverick in November 2019.
Synopsis ofAsian Aspiration: Why and How Africa Should Emulate Asia
“In 1960, the GDP per capita in South East Asian countries was nearly half of that of Africa. By 1986, the gap had closed and today the trend is reversed, with more than half of the world’s poorest now living in Sub-Saharan Africa. Why has Asia developed while Africa lagged?
The Asian Aspiration chronicles the untold stories of explosive growth and changing fortunes: the leaders, events and policy choices that lifted a billion people out of abject poverty within a single generation, the largest such shift in human history.
The relevance of Asia’s example comes as Africa is facing a population boom, which can either lead to crisis or prosperity; and as Asia is again transforming, this time out of low-cost manufacturing into high-tech, leaving a void that is Africa’s for the taking. But far from the determinism of ‘Africa Rising’, this book calls for unprecedented pragmatism in the pursuit of African success.”
Noelle Wonders
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Hi everyone! This post is just a starting point to generate some conversation around the idea of “learning from others” and “who to learn from”. I wrote this post for the Daily Maverick as a proper amateur – and you can probably tell from reading it! I cringe a little when I see this. But, for that same reason, I like the post. What better way to stay humbled that to see your very humble beginnings. If you have read the book or have some ideas from reading the synopsis, similar books, or watching any of the webinars the authors… Read more »
Great work, very informative articles and posts👍
[…] Too often have brave policy decisions been shunned and political self-interest taken preeminence, at the expense of long-term policies crafted for the national interest. Popular welfare. […]
Excellent insight into how Asian countries invested in their infrastructure and adapted in order to grow. Ghana can only benefit from adopting some of the principles Asia has applied to its development. Great read Noelle!!
Definitely not a miracle, we can only make a difference or develop our cities and villages by.changing our mindset and mentality otherwise nothing nothing changes
1 vote for mentality change here! Thanks for sharing and engaging.
Indeed there was a lot of commitment and sacrifices that were made in the Asian development narrative. One thing that came out of the book was the idea that Asian leaders have a concern for popular welfare; their success was rooted in delivery. Even where corrupt, corruption occurred upon/after delivery and not before. Now I am not advocating for corruption but I just find it so interesting how their belief around popular welfare even shaped the odd habits in development processes…It’s all so fascinating.
Insightful. Love this piece. keep it up Noelle.
Love this!
Love it Darling x. Good read
Thank you so much Jackie!