eBusiness Weekly
Morris Mpala
A country called Zimbabwe has economically stagnated for reasons that have been documented before.
For the Zimbabwe economy to come up fast and catch up, there is need to seriously look at the following:
Rule of law
The premise of existence and business lives is adherence to laws of the country and impartial legal system is a confidence booster towards economic recovery.
Country risk
Manage reputation by adhering to international standards. (not just to follow blindly but scholarly), settle debts, observe human rights, increase all human freedoms, strengthen banking/insurance sectors and protect the vulnerable.
Entrepreneurship
Re-align educational/vocational curriculums to feed into the demands of the new demands of industry to sustain re-industrialisation (including services industry) and increase entrepreneurial thrust on subjects despite them having to follow business ownership or employment in future.
Property rights
Observe the existence of ownership and respect towards ownership of property to encourage and protect all types of investments as it encourages economic activities and that is growth.
Nurturing great ideas
Be a haven that nurtures and encourages fresher, newer ideas that solve economic ills of the country. Seek local relevant solutions to challenges as opposed to without the country which are not fit for purpose. Learn from others where possible.
Corruption Tolerance
Walk the talk on corruption with exemplary conduct from strategic political/economic actors. Talk is cheap. Decisive action required across the board.
Production systems
Cost effective and efficient modem systems that sustains firms. Up scaling production to increase economies of scale in order to increase competitiveness.
Labour laws
Relaxed but not abusive laws that strike a balance between human capital retention and sustainability of business.
Knowledge economy
Derived value from processing of data/info. Knowledge is the new capital. Knowledge is power.
ICT based systems
Leveraging on ICTs to gain an advantage or for minimal competitive edge. Increased investments into the sector.
Plug leakages
Arrest illicit financial outflows, smuggling of minerals, intellectual property (human capital included), imports smuggling and siphoning of resources from the public sector.
Corporate Governance
Promote international best practices for both public and private sector. Follow the rules religiously from board room down to a mere employee. An independent RBZ is key to monitoring Government expenditure.
Think not, act
Action only. No time to think but to act outside the box. Be unconventional because these are not your ordinary times.
Figures are factual building blocks
Listen to your figures. Attend to all economic ratios. Remember little knowledge is very dangerous.
Be guided by all statistics and collecting, processing and presentation of statistics must be real-time and tell a true story that can be interpreted.
Research and development
Invest in skills that allow the economy to statistically interrogate and provide answers to the economic challenges.
Continuous learning which increases artistry in productions and or service provisions.
Ubuntu/Hunhu
A culture of excellence, demand for precision, mutual respect and co-existence brings about economic equilibrium to all.
We just need to be a good people in all facets of life. Let’s say no to mediocrity, laziness, misplaced priorities, wheeling and dealing, and mis-directed energies.
By and large we just need to change our mindsets towards ourselves, each other and towards economic matters. Let’s mould hard workers, empathetic and selfless children for a grounded foundation that withstands tomorrow’s challenges and snap up opportunities as they arise.
Ask for accountability and responsibility to public resources and those in charge in general.
Above all let’s equip ourselves with emotional intelligence as we balance divergent aspirations.
Motherhood spirit
Let’s approach this phase with a motherly spirit of wanting what’s best for everyone else in Zimbabwe. We all know mothers know best and you can never go wrong using a motherly approach to managing things.
One goal
A united approach is magical to increasing economic activity without which we waste resources through bickering and delayed action. Have one agenda that accommodates divergent voice of reason for checks and balances.
Comparative/competitive edge
Identify these and run with them to the best of our ability. Do a SWOT analysis, apply PESTLE, abuse Game Theory and have an Art of War approach to business at hand while Government creates a conducive environment for prosperity
Economic model and framework
A systematic, robust scientific approach to accelerated economic transformation is co-ordinated based on a defined model that will support accelerated growth. Without a frame work we are direction-less and we have time constraints.
Team no sleep
There is need to work 24/7, lose pride , increase productivity ratios, work smarter but harder and get dirty.
Value addition
Where we can let’s add value before exporting. We need bold, decisive transformational leadership in industry and commerce not to mention policy makers.
Win-Win partnerships
Negotiate deals that are favourable and aligned to our objectives and aspirations for both international and local players. If it doesn’t make any economic sense let’s walk away.
If you live in Harare please keep the sunshine city clean, if you live in Zimbabwe please use electricity sparingly: SOS (switch off switches) if you live on planet earth please preserve the environment.
Morris Mpala (Mr Brown) is Managing Director of MoB Capital BSc(Hons) Applied Mathematics, Executive MBA, Vice Chairperson ZAMFI (Zimbabwe Association of Microfinance Institutions ). Business/Economic Analyst, non-conventional thinker and cultural enthusiast.
