Effective  Business And Trade Development Is More Than Conference, by Ejike E Okpa

There have been trade and investment conferences organized in Africa and Caribbean to foster better cooperation between in-continent Africans and her far flung descendants. At the end, one wonders where is the impact?

None of the Caribbean nations have depth of an economy to ignite what will spark Africa. They are flashes on frying pan.

They are overly dependent independent nations that don’t have robust legislation to curb and cut off vultures that reap them as they rely upon generosity of foreign interests. Reason the current conditions persist.

In late 80s to early 90s, various US cities and government agencies had no restrictions where they bought certain things.

It was not until “Buy America” legislation was passed, that inward purchases of US goods was ignited, and they even added content percentage to qualify as Made in America.

For example, Addison Police Department used Volvo cars and BMW motorcycles but once the legislation became effective, it is all American automobiles.

No public agencies in US will use foreign made automobiles.

The government is a big spender, they ought to channel that towards locally made goods.

When Bush Presidential Library Dallas was been built, it was mandated materials to be used cannot come from any distance farther than 150 miles from Dallas.

These are what legislation does to promote business development.

In the case of Africa, Nigeria to be exact and many others they have no legislation to restrict what they buy and from where.

Jamboree type conferences where bureaucrats show up to look good without good ideas, is why Africa and her descendants look like J-J-Cs.

My 2 cents.

Ejike E OKPA
Writes from USA