My Gambia, my way! This has been my motto and credo since I
touched down in the Gambia some 16 odd years ago. Sadly, my way only existed in
my worldview and how I choose to live, express my views and construct my
reality. My reality is not far fetched, nor is it utopian just that my reality
is not mainstream. I am an unapologetic thoroughbred capitalist who believes in
excellence, merit and market driven processes. However, if we Gambians want to
have Giants of Industries, we must first nurture captains of Industry. The
Gambian entrepreneurial class MUST be propped up so that wealth creation and
generation will be a precursor to our dream of a developed Gambia.
This brings me to my contentious yet noble idea about
Economic Nationalism. This ideology promotes and foster local participation in
all spheres of our economy so long as it doesn’t impede on the quality of
service being delivered. Economic Nationalism is practiced in most economies
but in a very subtle way. Recently, the United States Government in a show of
support for American Telecommunications Equipment manufacturers, frustrated the
entry of Huaweii Technologies in the US market citing suspicion as a pretext
for their actions. http://www.latimes.com/business/hiltzik/la-fi-hiltzik-20141207-column.html
This move by the USA is a clear sign of Economic Nationalism by putting US
commercial interest first. I am cognizant of the fact that Gambia is an open
economy that should promote foreign direct invest to spur the much needed impetus
for economic growth but however, this endeavor must be cautiously approached to
implement a balance that will serve two interests simultaneously (the strengthening
of our entrepreneurial class and opening up to FDI). The two are not mutually
exclusive and with the right policy mix the two objectives can be achieved harmoniously.
This administration as a matter of urgent public policy pronouncement MUST
initiate immediate local content rules in the awarding of international
contracts to foreign companies. Local content rules implore on foreign contractors
to engage local suppliers and entrepreneurs in sourcing the inputs for their
deliverables. This will enhance the entrepreneurial base and also foster the
idea of skills and technological transfer that is needed to move our economy.
I will also take this opportunity to register my concerns
and reservations about the purported negotiations with a Belgian outfit called
SEMLEX as it relates to issuance of National documents Passport etc). I am of the
view that this is not a precision or rocket science that needs ultra-sophisticated
competence to produce. Therefore, our government must consider local outfits
with the requisite competence to deliver such services and in the absence of
such within the local business community, the government can encourage local
outfits to partner with international firms to deliver such services. This
accords the local outfits the opportunity to boost their skill levels and
competence after a while. That is what I consider economic empowerment. New
Gambia MUST promote such ideals as it helps in building a strong entrepreneurial
class. Economic Nationalism must not be equated to #PROTECTIONISM as it is more
of a preferred provider of services rather than the only providers. If this
country must develop, the government must nurture the emergence of an
entrepreneurial class. A lesson not learned in the past will always be repeated
and that’s why we had many false starts with the Likes of Alice Carr, Daddy
Jack, Cham & Secka, Musu Kebba Drammeh. This is a shameful past that can be
addressed if we put Gambia and Gambians first. The text book definition of an
open economy is ideal as it is devoid of the very human trait of self-interest.
Therefore, my philosophy of My Gambia, My Way MUST be made a reality by
promoting Gambian ideals and interest at all times. If we don’t promote our
interest who will promote our interest for us? This blog post is by no means a
support for any interest but a mere observation of an anomaly deficient in the
Gambian psyche especially our public officials. I remain a humble servant of
the land I grew loving and I will promote the espoused ideals that will usher
in prosperity to our dearly beloved Gambia
#Gambia
#EconomicNationalism
#PublicPolicy
#GambiaFirst
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