Mr. Strive Masiyiwa, Africa against Ebola Solidarity Trust Board member and chairman of Econet, has said that for Africa to achieve its vision of social and economic prosperity, African governments and business must join forces and commit human and financial resources for the potential eradication of developmental threats such as the prevailing Ebola pandemic in West Africa.
“The development of Africa’s solid socio-economic stature undoubtedly depends on a properly articulated vision as well as a strategic practical plan. However, vision and planning alone are not sufficient. As a result, it is imperative that policy makers in Africa begin to assess and select the correct delivery models, founded on innovative economic support that is complimented by the private sector. We need to think carefully about how we restore the dignity of the people of Liberia, Guinea and Sierra Leone and how we stabilise their economies. The public-private partnerships approach is necessary if Africa is to improve its deeply rooted socio-economic and societal problems as well as eradicate the obstructions preventing the continent from attaining its developmental projects goals,” explained Mr. Masiyiwa.
He added that an effective response must focus on unique alliances and public-private partnerships structured to mitigate the multi-faceted impact of societal challenges. Failure to cooperatively pursue these goals using new and innovative approaches can only contribute to new and re-emerging development obstructions for the Africa continent.
“In West Africa, specifically in the regions that have been severely hit by Ebola, there has been a delay in relation to Africa-led innovative efforts aimed at mobilising resources that could potentially strengthen the socio economic status of the continent. Because of this, preparedness and response planning, with respect to emerging health threats, aimed at improving the health security and safety of the African community, is an important aspect of the continental development strategy,” Mr. Masiyiwa concluded.