On Africa's Trade Dilemma 2: Mis-management

The second dilemma arises because our misuse of human and material resources results in export of value-added to competitor markets. Despite the rapid innovation in manufacturing technologies and efficiencies, the essential processes and scientific principles have remained largely unchanged. Oil refining and salt production are still processes of extraction under pressure and fractional distillation involving the separation of fluids at different boiling points. Metal working is a process of joining or reforming metals at different melting points. A bridge is the same essential structure as a bed or a bench, but subject to wind or water movements. A bullet proof vest is an ultra-fine mesh of baskets. Electric motors, grain mills, paper-making, vehicle engines, railways, ships, aeroplanes and water pumps are the same technologies as decades ago. Why then do we still ask others to "transfer" technologies that can be found in most textbooks? Is it because technical knowledge can be found in textbooks that the textbooks are missing from many classrooms? Entrepreneurs should start private schools at all levels and should translate technical writings into the many African languages. Knowledge of your own language is sufficient to comfortable living.


The key dilemma seems to be lack of esteem in organisation of complex production or logistics. Self-esteem builds on achievement, itself a function of setting goals and trying until sucess in attaining. Failures are inevitable as are imperfections. A recommendation is to form activity groups that will undertake to dismantle and reassemble any technology you come across. In schools, attention should focus on learning-by-doing, critical reasoning and problem solving. No promotion until material competence is demonstrated. Foreign languages and texts should be introduced only in the early teens. African communities should endeavour to examine the education curriculum and media content to ensure that they promote creative productivity and intellectual stimulation as well as management of resources.