Daily Archives: June 19, 2010

OUR SMALL ENTREPRENEURS: HOW ARE THEY FARING

June 19, 2010 by uzoma

The local content initiative of government is a step in the right direction; at least it will reduce capital flight. We must learn to do things properly, the important part of our economy that is suppose to take advantage of this bold initiative by government is presently not positioned properly to do that.



Our small business people are almost going into extinction, without them this good idea will not see the light of the day. The challenges facing them are enormous, we must tackle them first. Multiple taxations must be looked into by the authorities. Our infrastructures like roads, power, water and others must be put in good shape. We cannot also over look the insecurity of lives and properties which government must resolve head on.



We all know how dangerous smuggling and reckless importation of foreign goods is to the growth of local businesses; government must not shy away from eliminating these impediments. We must also not forget the important issue of access to credit for our small business people. Previous efforts of government to address this important problem facing these people, was truncated by the unprofessional attitude of the bankers entrusted with funds to allocate to this important interest group. Instead of giving funds and focusing on the people that government wanted to benefit from this interest free loans, banks gave away the funds to political contractors, government friends, importers of luxury goods and traders, thereby completely messing up the noble plan to assist these private entrepreneurs.


We must also look into the workings of our banks to ensure their compliance to procedures, the banks are too important to be left in the hands of profiteers as they are today.



The enabling environment for the small business people to grow must be in place, to enable them increase their capacity to take up difficult challenges and opportunities that will surely fall out from the local content act. Policies of government must reflect the important need to encourage and support this important interest group. Encouraging them will indirectly help in reducing unemployment and poverty on the long-run.



Government cannot afford to continue in the failed policies of the past, duplicating civil service jobs, purchasing of cars and motorcycle as a way of reducing employment and elevating poverty; it is both unreliable and unsustainable. The only way to grow out of poverty is by encouraging private enterprise; empowering small businesses by supporting them with the needed capital and organizational support.


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Posted in Africa & Global Business | 1 Comment

VUVUZELA: WHAT’S UP WITH THE NOISE?

June 19, 2010 by uzoma

Is any one threatened by the ingenuity of the African mind, too bad, no apologies guys; it is our culture, pure and simple.


This unique concept coming out from Africa calls for celebration and support not condemnation as is the case now. The case against the Vezevula is too weak to even be considered.


The western world is already accustomed to the timidity and docility of the African psyche as a result of colonialism and slavery brought upon Africans by white collared men with swords and ships. This has lead to its underdevelopment in all areas of life in Africa. I am sure they are surprised by this invention of an indigenous African instrument for celebration called Vuvuzela. They must learn to live with it; I would suggest they go further by importing it en mass for the European championship coming up very soon.



This will help the inventors of this instrument to grow and do more for the world. African has for long carried the western economy on their shoulders by buying up their used up inventions, applications and processes. It is time they reciprocated. Accepting and celebrating the importance of an African nation hosting the world cup and showcasing it culture and joy via the Vuvuzela is a step in the right direction.



There is no need trying to demonize this concept as was the case with Jazz and Reggae, we all know the story and the attempt made to discourage its growth. We all remember how Jazz and Reggae were branded incoherent noisy nonsense. Jazz and Reggae is today accepted for its uniqueness as will Vuvuzela. There is need for the western world to have a re-think and see Africans as equal partners in progress. I believe this will make for a better world, trying as it seems to put down anything African will do no good. Africa has paid it dues to the world, with the sweat and blood of its sons and daughters helped in laying a great foundation for the great economies of the west and Americans today.



We have for long been wrongfully labeled as violent, greedy and immoral, but let us not forget the fact that the western world taught us all we know. There is need for the west to show some respect to Africa, they can start by making the United Nation Security Council more democratic, an African voice is needed there, it might make the difference between an all out nuclear war that may break out if the Americans, Europeans and the Middle Eastern nations don’t put their egos in check.



Any attempt to even contemplate a ban on this instrument of joy will to the Africans, be a slap in the face, an all out war against the African culture. It would be totally unacceptable and a confirmation of their total disregard for Africa. The world must realize by now that they cannot do without Africa; it is only in Africa that people will have the heart to forgive their oppressors of hundreds of years. We all say; Go on with Vuvuzela.


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