Ethiopia Needs Long-Term National Development Plan (Part Nineteen, Operational Strategies)

Tsegaye Tegenu, PhD
2024-07-16

Part nineteen continues the discussion on the strategy component of the actionable steps in the long-term development plan. We are not yet done with strategies. You might be surprised to hear that there are about 342 more strategies to be discussed. These may seem excessive or luxurious, but this is inherent to the importance of a comprehensive long-term development plan.

We have identified 114 objectives within the long-term plan, and with three strategies for each objective, we have a total of 342 strategies at the operational level. This number does not include the strategies at the higher level, related to the six overarching goals, nor the mid-level strategies related to pillars and sectors, of which there are about 38.

Paying Attention to Details is Valuable Skill to Success

Strategies should be diverse, multifaceted, and tailored to address specific needs. The long-term plan should systematically address the identified goals, fundamental pillars, and objectives. We need a highly detailed and comprehensive approach to national development for several reasons.

First, it provides clarity and direction. A detailed plan provides a clear vision and specific goals, guiding all stakeholders towards common objectives. It offers a structured roadmap, ensuring that every step taken is aligned with the overall development agenda.

Second, it helps to effectively allocate resources. Detailed planning helps in identifying the required resources (financial, human, technological) and ensures their optimal utilization. It aids in accurate budgeting and financial planning, preventing resource wastage and ensuring that funds are directed where they are most needed.

Third, it is roadmap for coordination and integration. A comprehensive approach ensures coordination across various sectors, preventing overlaps and ensuring that efforts are complementary. It integrates different aspects of development (economic, social, environmental) to promote holistic and sustainable growth.

Fourth, refers to stakeholder engagement. Detailed plans provide a basis for involving various stakeholders, including government agencies, private sector, civil society, and the public, fostering collaboration and buy-in. It promotes transparency, building trust and support among stakeholders by clearly outlining roles, responsibilities, and expected outcomes.

The fifth importance of a highly detailed strategic plan to monitoring and evaluation. Comprehensive plans include specific indicators and benchmarks for monitoring progress and evaluating outcomes. They establish accountability mechanisms, ensuring that stakeholders are held responsible for their contributions and performance.

To sum up, a highly detailed and comprehensive approach to long-term national development is essential for ensuring clarity, effective resource allocation, coordination, stakeholder engagement, risk management, adaptability, sustainability, and public confidence. So, please bear with me when I mention the strategies at the operational level.

Goal 1: Transforming and Building the Economic Structure

Pillar 1: Industrial Development and Diversification

• Objective 1: Increase the contribution of manufacturing and high-value industries to GDP.
  • Strategy 1: Provide financial incentives such as tax breaks and grants to attract investment in manufacturing and high-value industries.
• Objective 2: Promote the development of small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in diverse sectors.
  • Strategy 1: Create a comprehensive SME support program that includes access to finance, mentorship, and market access.
  • Strategy 2: Implement policies to reduce bureaucratic hurdles for SMEs, such as simplifying business registration and licensing processes.
• Objective 3: Enhance technology adoption and innovation in industrial processes.
  • Strategy 1: Promote digital literacy and advanced skills training programs to prepare the workforce for technology-driven industries.

Pillar 2: Agricultural Modernization

• Objective 1: Improve agricultural productivity through the adoption of modern farming techniques.
  • Strategy 1: Provide subsidies and financial incentives for the adoption of modern farming equipment and techniques.
  • Strategy 2: Establish agricultural extension services to educate farmers on best practices and new technologies.
• Objective 2: Enhance value chains and market access for agricultural products.
  • Strategy 1: Invest in rural infrastructure, including roads and storage facilities, to reduce post-harvest losses and improve market access.
• Objective 3: Increase investment in agricultural research and development.
  • Strategy 1: Increase funding for agricultural research institutions and universities.
  • Strategy 2: Develop research programs focused on climate-resilient crops and sustainable farming practices.

Pillar 3: Infrastructure Development

• Objective 1: Expand and upgrade transportation networks, including roads, railways, ports, and airports.
  • Strategy 1: Implement a national infrastructure development plan prioritizing key economic corridors.
• Objective 2: Improve access to reliable and affordable energy and water supply.
  • Strategy 1: Invest in renewable energy projects to diversify the energy mix and enhance sustainability.
  • Strategy 2: Modernize existing power grids and water supply systems to reduce losses and improve reliability.
• Objective 3: Develop digital infrastructure to support a knowledge-based economy.
  • Strategy 1: Expand broadband internet access to rural and underserved areas.

Pillar 4: Human Capital Development

• Objective 1: Increase access to quality education and vocational training.
  • Strategy 1: Establish partnerships with the private sector to provide vocational training and apprenticeship programs.
• Objective 2: Improve health outcomes through better healthcare services and facilities.
  • Strategy 1: Increase funding for public healthcare infrastructure and services, with a focus on underserved areas.
• Objective 3: Enhance workforce skills to meet the demands of a transforming economy.
  • Strategy 1: Develop continuous professional development programs to upskill the current workforce.
  • Strategy 2: Encourage industries to provide on-the-job training and career development opportunities.

Goal 2: Entrepreneurship Building and Business Growth

Pillar 8: Increase the Number of Startups

• Objective 1: Establish 200 new startups within the next five years.
  • Strategy 1: Provide seed funding and grants for new startups through government and private sector initiatives.
  • Strategy 2: Offer tax incentives and subsidies for new businesses to reduce initial costs and encourage formation.
• Objective 2: Create 50 startup incubators and accelerators in key regions within three years.
  • Strategy 1: Provide funding and resources to establish incubators and accelerators in underserved regions.

Pillar 10: Expand Entrepreneurial Education and Training

• Objective 1: Implement entrepreneurship programs in 80% of high schools and universities within five years.
  • Strategy 1: Integrate entrepreneurship into the national education curriculum at secondary and tertiary levels.
• Objective 2: Train 50,000 aspiring entrepreneurs through workshops and online courses within five years.
  • Strategy 1: Organize national and regional entrepreneurship workshops and boot camps.
  • Strategy 2: Develop and promote online courses and MOOCs on entrepreneurship and business management.

Pillar 11: Reduce Regulatory Barriers

• Objective 1: Simplify the business registration process to reduce the time required from 30 days to 5 days within two years.
  • Strategy 1: Implement online business registration systems to streamline the process.
• Objective 2: Review and eliminate 50 outdated regulations that hinder business growth within two years.
  • Strategy 1: Conduct a comprehensive review of existing business regulations in collaboration with industry stakeholders.

Pillar 13: Strengthen Business Support Services

• Objective 1: Develop a network of 100 business incubators and accelerators across the country within five years.
  • Strategy 1: Provide funding and resources for the establishment and operation of business incubators and accelerators.
  • Strategy 2: Partner with universities, research institutions, and private sector organizations to develop incubators.
• Objective 2: Establish 50 business resource centers offering legal, financial, and marketing advice within three years.
  • Strategy 1: Set up business resource centers in strategic locations across the country.

Pillar 15: Improve Infrastructure for Businesses

• Objective 1: Develop and improve infrastructure such as reliable internet, transportation, and energy supply in 80% of industrial zones within five years.
  • Strategy 1: Invest in upgrading and expanding internet infrastructure to ensure reliable and high-speed connectivity.
  • Strategy 2: Enhance transportation networks to facilitate the efficient movement of goods and people.
• Objective 2: Ensure 90% of rural areas have access to high-speed internet within five years.
  • Strategy 1: Implement rural broadband initiatives to extend high-speed internet coverage to underserved areas.
  • Strategy 2: Provide subsidies and incentives for private sector investment in rural internet infrastructure.

Goal 3: Fostering a System of Economic Abundance

Pillar 16: Promoting Specialization

• Objective 1: Increase the number of industry-specific training programs by 50% within three years to develop specialized skills.
  • Strategy 1: Partner with educational institutions and industry leaders to design and implement specialized training curricula.
  • Strategy 2: Provide funding and resources for vocational training centers focusing on industry-specific skills.
• Objective 2: Encourage the formation of 100 sector-specific business clusters within five years.
  • Strategy 1: Provide financial and logistical support for the establishment of business clusters, including infrastructure and shared services.

Pillar 17: Promoting Diversification

• Objective 1: Develop 50 new product lines or services in key industries within three years.
  • Strategy 1: Establish innovation labs and R&D centers to explore and develop new products and services.
  • Strategy 2: Collaborate with universities and research institutions to commercialize new technologies and innovations.
• Objective 2: Provide financial incentives to 1,000 businesses to diversify their operations within four years.
  • Strategy 1: Launch a diversification fund offering low-interest loans and grants to businesses for expanding into new areas.
  • Strategy 2: Develop advisory services to help businesses identify and pursue diversification opportunities.

Pillar 18: Promoting Economic Linkages

• Objective 1: Establish 200 new supplier-buyer relationships between local businesses and multinational companies within three years.
  • Strategy 1: Organize supplier fairs and matchmaking events to connect local businesses with multinational companies.
  • Strategy 2: Provide training and certification programs to ensure local suppliers meet international standards.
• Objective 2: Develop 10 regional economic corridors to facilitate trade and investment within five years.
  • Strategy 1: Invest in infrastructure development along key trade routes to support regional economic corridors.
  • Strategy 2: Facilitate cross-border cooperation and agreements to enhance trade and investment flows.

Goal 4: Spatial Transformation and Integration

Pillar 21: Balanced Regional Development

• Objective 1: Reduce regional income disparities by 25% within five years through targeted investment and development programs.
  • Strategy 1: Identify and prioritize regions with the highest income disparities for targeted investment.
  • Strategy 2: Develop customized economic development programs for underdeveloped regions, including infrastructure projects and business incentives.
  • Strategy 3: Implement regional skills training and education programs to improve employment opportunities.
• Objective 2: Establish 10 regional economic development agencies to promote local industries and employment within three years.
  • Strategy 1: Allocate funding and resources to support the establishment and operationalization of these agencies.
  • Strategy 2: Monitor and evaluate the performance of these agencies to ensure they effectively promote local industries and employment.
• Objective 3: Establish 10 rural industrial parks across each region.
  • Strategy 1: Identify suitable locations for rural industrial parks based on local resources and potential.
  • Strategy 2: Provide incentives for private sector investment in rural industrial parks.
  • Strategy 3: Develop necessary infrastructure and services to support the operation of rural industrial parks.

Pillar 23: Rural Development

• Objective 1: Improve access to basic services (healthcare, education, clean water) in rural areas, reaching 90% coverage within five years.
  • Strategy 1: Develop and implement programs to expand healthcare and education infrastructure in rural areas.
  • Strategy 2: Partner with NGOs and private sector to improve access to clean water.
  • Strategy 3: Monitor and evaluate the effectiveness of service delivery in rural areas to ensure quality and coverage.
• Objective 2: Increase rural employment opportunities by 30% through the promotion of agro-industries and small-scale enterprises within four years.
  • Strategy 1: Provide financial and technical support to agro-industries and small-scale enterprises in rural areas.
  • Strategy 2: Develop rural entrepreneurship programs to encourage the establishment of new businesses.
  • Strategy 3: Improve access to markets for rural businesses through better infrastructure and logistics.

Pillar 24: Sustainable Urban Development

• Objective 1: Develop 10 smart cities with integrated technology solutions for efficient urban management within five years.
  • Strategy 1: Identify and prioritize cities for smart city development based on population growth and economic potential.
  • Strategy 2: Partner with technology companies to design and implement integrated urban management solutions.
  • Strategy 3: Secure funding and investment for smart city projects through public-private partnerships.
• Objective 2: Ensure affordable housing for 80% of the urban population within five years through public-private partnerships.
  • Strategy 1: Develop affordable housing projects in partnership with private developers.
  • Strategy 2: Provide subsidies and incentives for the construction of affordable housing units.
  • Strategy 3: Implement regulations to ensure that a portion of new housing developments is designated for affordable housing.

Pillar 25: Environmental Sustainability

• Objective 1: Reduce carbon emissions by 30% within five years through the promotion of green technologies and practices.
  • Strategy 1: Implement incentives for businesses to adopt green technologies and practices, such as tax breaks and grants.
  • Strategy 2: Develop public awareness campaigns on the importance of reducing carbon emissions and adopting sustainable practices.
  • Strategy 3: Partner with international organizations to access funding and expertise for green technology projects.
• Objective 2: Increase the use of renewable energy sources to 50% of the total energy mix within five years.
  • Strategy 1: Invest in renewable energy projects, such as solar, wind, and hydroelectric power.
  • Strategy 2: Provide financial incentives for households and businesses to adopt renewable energy solutions.
  • Strategy 3: Develop policies and regulations to support the growth of the renewable energy sector.

Goal 5: Elevating the Capabilities of Public Institutions

Pillar 27: Public Sector Efficiency and Effectiveness

• Objective 1: Improve public sector efficiency by reducing bureaucracy and streamlining processes within three years.
  • Strategy 1: Implement a digital transformation strategy for government services to reduce paperwork and processing times.
  • Strategy 2: Establish a public sector innovation lab to identify and pilot new ways to improve efficiency.
  • Strategy 3: Provide training and development programs for public sector employees to enhance their skills and capabilities.

Pillar 28: Transparency and Accountability

• Objective 1: Increase transparency and reduce corruption in public institutions within five years.
  • Strategy 1: Strengthen anti-corruption laws and enforcement mechanisms to deter corrupt practices.
  • Strategy 2: Implement transparency initiatives, such as open data portals and public reporting systems.
  • Strategy 3: Foster a culture of integrity and accountability through public awareness campaigns and ethics training for public officials.

Pillar 30: Enhancing Public Service Delivery

• Objective 1: Improve the quality and accessibility of public services within three years.
  • Strategy 1: Conduct regular assessments of public service delivery to identify areas for improvement.
  • Strategy 2: Develop and implement service delivery standards to ensure consistency and quality.
  • Strategy 3: Use technology to enhance the accessibility of public services, particularly in remote and underserved areas.

Because of lack of space, I mentioned about one third of the operational strategies. For the type and number of Higher-Level Strategies, see my earlier discussion in All-in-One Platform for Creating a Post-Scarcity Economy of Ethiopia (pages 17-28). For Mid-Level (Tactical) Strategies, refer to my article titled ‘National Industrial Policy by Design Thinking.’

A highly detailed and comprehensive approach to strategy development is essential for long-term national development. Details help avoid unnecessary conflicts among stakeholders by clearly defining what needs to be done and what should be avoided. Paying attention to details is a critical skill; it ‘beats out the devil.’

The expression ‘the devil is in the details’ suggests that small, often overlooked elements can cause significant problems if not properly addressed. By paying close attention to strategy details, we can avoid pitfalls and ensure higher quality outcomes. I believe that many of our conflicts stem from a lack of knowledge about details. Paying attention to and addressing crucial details can lead to peace, stability, and success.