Session 7: Takeaways
Summing up the implications for ACET
Chair: Rosalind Kainyah, Vice President, External Affairs and CSR, Tullow Oil
This closing session will review the main conclusions of the two-day discussions and their implications for ACET. The past two days have been illuminating—for Africa, for Africans, and for the African Center for Economic Transformation. And as a member of the Board of Directors of ACET, I think the discussions provide direction for ACET as we move forward with our advisory work, our advocacy, and our research agenda—especially that for the Africa Transformation Report and the various country, sector, and thematic studies. K.Y. Amoako will present short remarks on what he sees as the major implications for ACET.
Ten takeaways for ACET
K.Y. Amoako, Founder and President, African Center for Economic Transformation
In echoing, Rosalind’s comments, I would like to thank you all for your experience and expertise, and for the frank discussions and bold proposals which have exceeded our expectations. In wrapping up this wonderfully productive event, I have the following 10 takeaways for ACET’s work:
- Connect the dots in previous and existing transformation initiatives to move the agenda forward.
- Be selective about the countries we work with—the potential for success and role modelling is high. Highlight case examples from this list of selected countries.
- Enhance peer support, learning and pressure by supporting the progressive countries in focusing on the critical elements of their transformation.
- Build indicators and country case studies—a number of existing indices have real flaws, and there is a clear opportunity to create an effective one from available indicators. Consider doing this within each country’s context.
- Engage the private sector to figure out what is going right today and how to build on it. Identify the specific policy reforms that would support entrepreneurship.
- Use regional integration as an anchor for reforms required to underpin economic transformation and work with the regional economic community secretariats and host countries to set priorities for moving to a single market. Seek development partner funding for support.
- Explore the concept of a centre of excellence for leadership to create a learning experience for policymakers and build the capacity to govern, negotiate, and plan.
- Foster cooperation and deepen relationships by pursuing collaborative studies with South-South partners. Convene partners and policymakers to further promote learning exchanges.
- Follow up with G20/ADB and African leaders, the G20, and the African Development Bank to push innovative financing for infrastructure.
- Investigate and exhaust the efficiency of domestic financing options for infrastructure funding.
Once again, thank you all, and may your travels be safe.
Table of Contents
- Main page
- Participants
- The workshop’s key themes
- Objectives and expectations of the workshop
- SESSION 1: Toward Economic Transformation in Africa: Challenges and Opportunities
- SESSION 2: Drawing Lessons from Successful Developing Countries
- SESSION 3: Innovative Approaches to Financing Transformation--The Case of Infrastructure
- DINNER PRESENTATION: Emerging Africa--How 17 Countries are Leading the Way
- SESSION 4: Boosting Competitiveness and Diversifying Exports
- SESSION 5: Harnessing State Capacity for Economic Transformation
- SESSION 6: The Africa Transformation Report
- SESSION 7: The Ten Takeaways
