Asia’s leaders certainly didn’t have a road map. It is only with the benefit of hindsight that we are able to discern their strategy.
Much of Asia’s success comes down to population density and geographic proximity , which assisted the flow of goods and movement of investment across the region.It is essentially the phenomenon economists describe as the multiplier effect. Asia’s example does not tell us exactly what each African country should do, but it does give some clues on how to do it. Creating market space – domestically, regionally and internationally – and becoming a friend of business and facilitator of the flow of capital, skills and technology is imperative, as is the need to build a sense of national project.
This included a willingness to learn from anyone, including foreigners, and the instillation of a culture of continuous improvement. Donors were important in oiling the wheels of Asian success but only because their programmes and the projects they spawned were locally instigated and thus owned.
For what!