ECONOMIC DIVERSIFICATION

Economic diversification, one of the challenges of globalization in the vulnerability

of African economies to external shocks. To address this, African countries can
focus on diversifying their economies by promoting sectors beyond traditional
commodities. This can be achieved by investing in sectors such as manufacturing,
technology, tourism and services, which can create employment opportunities
and reduce dependence on a single industry.

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For more than a decade, African countries have been enjoying high levels of
economic growth, human development, and political stability. As they continue
along the path of economic progress, it is imperative that they find ways to
diversify their economies, namely by strengthening non-traditional sectors;
expanding their range of products and exports; and engaging with new economic
and development partners. Diversification does not occur in a vacuum. There
needs to be an enabling environment to make diversification possible. A number
of key drivers have already been identified, for example by the 2007 UNECA
Economic Report on Africa, including investment, trade and industrial policies; a
dynamic growth performance; macroeconomic stability, a competitive exchange
rate and expansionary but responsible fiscal policy; and institutional variables
such as good governance and absence of conflict.

STRENGTHENING REGIONAL INTEGRATION

African countries can leverage regional integration to overcome the challenges of

globalization collectively. By forming regional economic communities and
implementing policies that promote trade, investment, and movement of people
within the region, African countries can enhance their bargaining power and
create a larger market for goods and services.

Below are how some of the African countries are being integrated to overcome
challenges faced the African societies, some of this challenges are mention in the
above paragraph.
1
https://www.oecd.org/countries/tunisia/46148761.pdf
  AMU - Arab Maghreb Union these include the state of Algeria, Libya,
Mauritania, kingdom of Morrocco and Tunisia.
 CEN-SAD - The Community of Sahel-Saharan States Benin, Burkina Faso,
Central African Republic, Chad and many more countries are part of the
region.
 COMESA - Common Market for Eastern and Southern Africa this region
include countries like Burundi, Congo Madagascar, Zambia, Eritrea Kenya
etc.
 EAC – East African Community this is where you find south Sudan, Kenya,
Rwanda, Uganda, Burundi, Somalia, Tanzania and Congo.
 ECCAS - Economic Community of Central African States This integrated
economic community consist of 11 member states, namely Republic of
Angola, Cameroon, Burundi, Republic of Congo, etc.
 ECOWAS - Economic Community of West African States consists of Benin,
Burkina Faso, Cabo Verde, mali, ivory coast, Senegal, togo, Nigeria, Liberia
and many more

INFRASTRUCTURE DEVELOPMENT

It adequate infrastructure, including transportation energy and communication

network, is essential for facilitating trade and connectivity in globalized world.
African governments should prioritize infrastructure development to improve
regional integration, enhance trade links and attract foreign investments.

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Infrastructure development is a key driver for progress across the African
continent and a critical enabler for productivity and sustainable economic growth.
It contributes significantly to human development, poverty reduction, and the
attainment of the Millennium Development Goals (MDGS).

2
https://www.afdb.org/en/knowledge/publications/tracking-africa%E2%80%99s-
progress-in-figures/infrastructure-
Essentially, Africa would have to connect science to humanity by applying a
systems-based approach to problem-solving and opportunities available today. To
succeed in this new era of globalization, Africa should adopt these three key
strategies:

1. Regional synthesis centres as a critical research infrastructure

Today, there exist over 40 ministries responsible for National Science and
Technology policies in Africa. However, there are compelling problems we have to
resolve in other to enable these institutions to carry out their mandate. 3

Africa would have to set up a network of Pan-African regional synthesis centres

that offer a unique coalescence of leadership, culture, infrastructure, and support
that propels scientific discovery on issues crucial to science and society.

Backed by huge investments from both the public and private sector, a
combination of logistical support, postdoctoral fellowships (for social,
fundamental and applied scientists), Artificial Intelligence expertise, and most
importantly, an opportunity for group discussions and reflections, would provide
an opportunity to promote creativity and the cross-fertilization of ideas.

2. Addressing Africa’s grand challenges through knowledge brokering

The importance of translating research evidence into policymaking and practice is

essential in improving the socio-economic progress of Africa. Our inability to do so
in the past has led to wasted resources and inequalities in health among others.
Moreover, in spreading and supporting the use of research evidence, knowledge
brokering plays a significant role in the creation of research evidence.

A key strategy in knowledge brokering is to assist decision makers to commission

research through the synthesis centres by identifying and transforming their
issues into clearly articulated research questions. The output of these regional
3
https://www.weforum.org/agenda/2019/07/strategies-africa-globalization/
synthesis centres becomes key to addressing our challenges such as climate
change, poverty, and health problems among others.

3. Promoting public understanding in science through science communication

In today’s world, we must communicate our scientific endeavors effectively in

order to build trust in science. According to the Welcome Global Monitor
2018, over half (57%) of the world's population don’t think they know much – if
anything – about science. Globally, 20% of people feel personally excluded from
the benefits of science.

How then do we reverse this situation? There is no doubt that the products of
Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics have enormous potential to
improve the livelihoods of the estimated 2.2 billion people expected to live in
Africa by 2050, and counteract environmental threats.

Communicating about science, online and in our cities, rural and urban areas is
crucial in building an inclusive science-driven society, bridging the gap between
the scientific community and everyone else.

Investing in making science popular in Africa provides a unique opportunity to

solve the problem of unemployment. These investments would not only help
build capacity in developing both high and low-tech solutions but would also drive
the progress of the Fourth Industrial Revolution on the continent.