Tsegaye Tegenu, PhD
2024-08-14
In a document divided into twenty-five sections, I have explored the technical aspects of crafting a long-term national development plan for Ethiopia. The discussion primarily covers the following areas:
- The Need for a Long-Term National Development Plan.This includes the conceptual frameworks, analysis models, context and background used to guide the overall preparation of the suggested long-term plan (see Sections 1-13).
- Proposal of Long-term National Development Plan. This part containsessential components of the suggested long-term plan for the country: Vision, Mission, Long-Term Goals, Objectives, Operational Strategies, and Policies (see Sections 14-20).
- Summary of Ethiopia’s Practical Experience. This part provides lessons based on reviewing the country’s experience in implementing and managing long-term national development plans (see Sections 21-25).
What remains to be addressed are the procedural aspects (such as establishing advisory committees, engaging stakeholders, and securing legislative approval) and the organizational aspects (including identifying the planning authority or agency responsible for coordinating and implementing the development plan at various levels).
Discussing the procedural and organizational aspects is not something I can undertake alone, as it requires the engagement of various stakeholders. However, to support these processes, I will offer recommendations to the relevant stakeholders in this final section of my presentation.
I have divided the stakeholders into three categories based on their diverse roles and contributions in the development and implementation of a long-term national development plan. These are: Government stakeholders (including leaders and politicians), Experts and General public (including private sector).
1. Government Stakeholders (Including Leaders and Politicians)
This includes ministries, departments, and local government authorities responsible for policy formulation, approval, and oversight of the development plan. It also includes politicians and members of parliament who play a key role in approving the plan, allocating resources, and ensuring that it aligns with the national vision and public interest. From public institutions, it includes government agencies and public enterprises that are responsible for implementing specific components of the development plan.
what path to take
Government stakeholders, including leaders and politicians must put people first. They should always keep the well-being of citizens at the forefront of decision-making. Policies should be designed to serve the public interest, not personal or political agendas. They must ensure that policies are inclusive and address the needs of all segments of society, particularly the marginalized and vulnerable.
Second, they must embrace transparency and accountability. They must foster transparency in government actions and decision-making processes. Keeping the public informed builds trust and promotes a healthy democracy. With regard to accountability mechanisms, they must implement and respect systems that hold leaders accountable for their actions.
Third, they must consistently consult stakeholders. They must engage with citizens, civil society, experts, and other stakeholders in meaningful dialogue. Listening to diverse perspectives helps craft better policies and address real needs. They must be responsive to the feedback and concerns of the public. Adapt policies and approaches based on what they learn from these interactions.
Fourth, they must focus on long-term solutions. Prioritize policies that offer sustainable, long-term benefits rather than short-term gains. This includes structural transformation, diversification, productive capacity building, regional development, etc.
Fifth, they must absolutely avoid corruption. They must uphold the highest ethical standards and work to eliminate corruption in all forms. Corruption erodes trust, wastes resources, and hinders development. Set an example for others by demonstrating honesty, fairness, and respect in all the dealings. Their actions set the tone for the entire government and influence public perception.
Six, they must work across political divides to build coalitions and find common ground on critical issues. Collaborative governance is often more effective than divisive politics. They must strive to unite rather than divide the population. Encourage social cohesion and national unity by respecting diversity and promoting inclusive policies.
Seven, they must create a meritocratic bureaucracy for the purpose of fostering efficient, accountable, and transparent governance. Meritocratic bureaucracy ensures that public services are delivered by the most qualified individuals, reduces corruption, and builds public trust in government institutions. By promoting a culture of excellence and fairness, a meritocratic system enhances the capacity of the state to meet the needs of its citizens and achieve long-term development goals.
2. Experts
Experts include scholars from universities and research institutions who contribute to the conceptualization, analysis, and review of the development plan. There are also technical advisors and consultants specialized in economics, urban planning, environmental science, and other relevant fields who provide expert guidance and technical support during the planning and implementation phases. The expert category also includes organizations and individuals who analyze data, forecast trends, and develop policy recommendations to ensure the plan is evidence-based and strategically sound.
A diverse group of experts is typically involved to ensure that the plan is comprehensive, effective, and sustainable. I have identified over 30 types of experts based on their roles and contributions in the context of long-term development planning.
Group 1: Economic and Financial Experts (economists, trade and market analysts, financial analysts and investors, business development experts, entrepreneurship educators), who focus on economic policies, financial planning, business development, and market analysis.
Group 2: Engineering and Technology Experts (industrial engineers, innovation and technology specialists, civil engineers, information technology specialists, transportation experts) who address infrastructure, technology integration, and innovation.
Group 3: Environmental and Agricultural Experts (environmental scientists and agricultural scientists) who focus on sustainability, environmental protection, and agricultural development.
Group 4: Urban and Regional Planning Experts (urban planners and architects, urban and regional planners, housing and urban development experts) who plan for urban growth, housing, and regional development.
Group 5: Public Health and Social Services Experts (public health experts, healthcare professionals, nutritionists and public health nutritionists, social workers and welfare experts, social policy analysts, social scientists including sociologists) who work on healthcare, social welfare, and public health nutrition, etc.
Group 6: Policy and Governance Experts (policy analysts, public policy analysts, governance and public administration experts, legal experts, legal and constitutional experts, anti-corruption specialists) who develop and analyze policies, ensure legal compliance, and address corruption.
Group 7: Education and Community Development Experts (education experts, entrepreneurship educators, cultural and community leaders) who enhance education systems and community development initiatives.
Group 8: Data and Information Analysis Experts (data scientists and statisticians, geographers and demographers) who analyze data, study demographics, and support decision-making with evidence.
Group 9: Supply Chain and Logistics Experts: Manage logistics and supply chain aspects critical to development projects.
The formulation of a long-term development plan benefits from the input of a wide range of experts to address the multifaceted aspects of development comprehensively. Engaging experts from these various fields ensures that the plan is well-rounded, addressing economic, social, environmental, and technical considerations while being inclusive and sustainable.
what path to take
When experts propose solutions for addressing the challenges faced by a population of 125 million people, they often rely on their specific areas of specialization or thematical areas at different levels of aggregation. While their involvement brings valuable perspectives that can lead to broad improvements in key areas, their approaches have limitations related to potential oversimplification and lack to account for complexity. To overcome these limitations, experts need interdisciplinary collaboration.
My advice to the experts is stay humble. Recognize that no one has all the answers, and that others may have valuable perspectives and insights. Approach discussions with humility and openness. Focus on sharing your expertise in a way that contributes to collective knowledge and progress, rather than seeking personal validation.
Experts who frequently say “I told you so” may be expressing frustration or a desire to validate their previous insights or warnings. But that does not change the level of their contribution to the overall plan. It is clear that the level of participation of experts varies based on the specific needs and emphasis of the national development plan. But it should be known that in a long-term national development plan, the involvement of various expertise areas is essential due to the complexity and diversity of goals, strategies, and policies. Given this condition, I assume that a single expert or area of expertise cannot contribute more than 5% to the overall plan.
The 5% limitation on individual expert contributions is a valuable principle that promotes inclusivity, balance, and interdisciplinary collaboration in the formulation of a long-term national development plan. However, it also requires careful management, strong leadership, and flexibility to ensure that the diverse contributions are effectively integrated into a coherent and impactful strategy. The goal is to maintain a balance between breadth and depth, ensuring that all critical areas are adequately covered while fostering a holistic and comprehensive approach to development.
In the complex and interdisciplinary process of policy-making for long-term national development, it is crucial for experts to understand and respect the boundaries of their expertise. Recognizing the value of diverse perspectives and the contributions of other specialists fosters a collaborative environment where all voices are heard and considered. This humility and acknowledgment of others’ roles lead to more comprehensive and well-rounded policies that can effectively address the multifaceted challenges facing a country.
It’s vital for experts to avoid a “know-it-all” attitude and approach their work with openness and humility. In complex projects like national development, no single discipline or expert can encompass all aspects of the challenges at hand.
3. General Public
Ordinary citizens who are the ultimate beneficiaries of the development plan, and whose needs and aspirations should be reflected in the goals. Their participation and feedback are essential for ensuring the plan’s relevance and success. General public category also includes private sector individuals (business owners, industry leaders, and entrepreneurs) who will drive economic growth, create jobs, and invest in areas aligned with the development plan. The general public includes as well civil society and community organizations, groups representing various societal interests, including advocacy groups, NGOs, and community-based organizations that ensure the plan is inclusive and addresses the needs of all citizens.
What path to take
The general public should take an active role in understanding national issues, policies, and regional trends. Use reliable sources of information and seek to understand the implications of government decisions. An informed public is better equipped to participate in democratic processes, hold leaders accountable, and make informed decisions that benefit society.
The general public has to engage with the leaders and politicians and ask them questions and demand accountability. They should not be afraid to demand clear answers and explanations and hold them to their promises.
The general public has to get involved in their respective communities. They have to attend kebele local meetings, participate in town halls, council meetings, and other public forums. They should join and support civic groups, non-profits, and advocacy organizations which often work to hold governments accountable.
Working together with others in their communities can increase their impact. Collective action is often more effective than individual efforts. Peaceful protests and demonstrations can be powerful ways to express dissatisfaction with government actions and demand change.
The general public has to focus on lifelong learning and skill development. The is an urgent need to break the cycle of ignorance through staying informed, education and promotion of critical thinking. “Ignorance is breeding more ignorance” highlights the self-perpetuating nature of a lack of knowledge.
Knowledge empowerment should be accompanied by fostering a culture of inclusivity and respect for diversity within the country. The public has to support initiatives that reduce inequality and provide opportunities for all members of society. Social cohesion strengthens communities, reduces conflict, and creates a more stable environment for development.
Conclusion
For the country to thrive under the pressures of rapid population growth, it requires a concerted effort from all sectors of society. The leaders and politicians should avoid entrenched interests (such as corruption), short-term focus (such as populist policies) and lack of vision (inadequate planning and poor governance). Experts must provide informed, innovative, and inclusive guidance. The general public must stay engaged, informed, and proactive. By working together with a shared vision, the country can not only meet the immediate challenges of surplus labor but also seize the opportunities that come with population growth.
In the face of rapid population growth, government stakeholders and experts must move beyond the traditional approach of incremental changes, ad hoc solutions, and patchwork policies. Instead, they need to embrace a more dynamic and comprehensive strategy focused on economic transformation, diversification, specialization, sector productivity, individual productivity, market competitiveness, regional development and governance environment. By focusing on these strategies and exponential thinkings, they can ensure that the country not only meets the immediate demands of a surplus labor but also positions itself for sustained economic success and improved quality of life in the long term.
Formulärets nederkant
Proposal Dedication
I dedicate the long-term national development plan proposal to the loving memory of the millions of Ethiopian youths who tragically lost their lives due to incessant civil war and outmigration in the past five decades, as well as to those who perished from environmental degradation and chronic poverty. May their souls rest in peace, and may their spirits inspire us to strive for a more prosperous and peaceful future. They deserved better.
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I’m still reading your masterpiece articles. But this high mileage dude here is doing his best to keep up with you. Keep plugging it away, my younger brother!!!