Recently I had the privilege of participating in a public discussion forum dubbed “Open Minds Forum,” which seeks to provide dialogue on various issues that are driving the nation. This is the first of its kind organized by Uganda’s Tax body and it happened to be the inaugural debate. The debate was on the motion “It is the Sole Responsibility of Government to Provide an Enabling Business Environment.” Some insightful thoughts divulged by the panelists are highlighted in my discussion.

Africa belongs to what in more friendly terms is referred to as the emerging markets but not the ‘third world’ or ‘underdeveloped world’ we were commonly referred to. This means that Africa’s position as a player on the global scene is increasingly being strengthened. We have indeed made great strides from a dark continent associated with the ills of slavery, poverty, disease and corruption, to a continent to be reckoned with by our more highly developed counterparts.  While it’s evident that we are still largely donor dependent, with some states plagued by wars, political turmoil, poverty, corruption, inadequate infrastructure and institutions, developing democracies continue to emerge and the private sector is beginning to take the center stage on the economic front. Africa is rapidly advancing and consequently can no longer be sidelined on the global scene.

As Africa arises and grows into an economic power house, it is important to understand the stakeholders involved and their roles. This might help in answering questions on what or who is driving this advancement. 

Let me use the analogy of a family where Government is likened to a father who is the head of the household. In an ideal family, the father establishes the rules and standards in a bid to create an environment that is suitable for the growth and development of his family. Therefore, government as the head of the household (state) comprised of we the citizens (children) has the mandate to establish laws (rules) that will foster harmonious co-existence, economic growth and wealth creation. It does this by establishing law and order.

Think about it, what is home like if everyone is allowed to do as he or she pleases ? A legal and regulatory framework is imperative for a state to peacefully exist and this is government’s role. The government ought to put in place infrastructure and institutions that facilitate economic activity. They include energy, transport network, factors of production (like land and labor),relevant education, impartial and independent judicial system, favorable investment, trade and tax regime among others.Broken homes are the result of the absence of the much needed leadership and authority. To do away with government would be committing suicide.

Africans hold that while a mother gives birth to a child, the community raises the child. What this means is that children are a collective responsibility of the wider community of neighbors, relatives and friends. In other words, the parents can’t single handedly do the job. Similarly, other stakeholders work with government. They include the civil society, the private sector, the press, traditional and religious  institutions and taxpayers.

Civil society and NGOs for example, foster transparency and accountability on the part of the government. They carry out activities with communities that the government may not necessarily pay attention to. The private sector defines the economy of a country. The manufacturing, service sectors and more recently the ICT sector create jobs and provide goods and services that make our lives comfortable. While Traditional and religious institutions unite and give people a sense of belonging, the press bridges the information divide, enabling citizens to make informed choices. It is important that the press be objective and credible. 

We must appreciate the vital role of a sound government. As the people who elect governments into office, we demand of them that they carry out their role. We understand that governments cannot effectively serve in isolation and it is this limitation that warrants the need for partners as key allies in creating suitable conditions for businesses to not only spring-up but also grow.