Thematic Discussions

CHIGARU Farai, Malawi, SRO-WA said in Development as an Attitude: Not a Budget Line:

Very insightful LIPEDE Omolola Mary,Nigeria,GPSPD . My question would be analogous to the chicken and egg dilemma, in relation to the mindset and development phenomena - would you not argue that development comes first and then mindset follows?

I get your point, I would however, argue that development is an attitude not the other way round.

SOUMTANG BIME Valentine, Cameroon, DES-P That’s a very timely question. From my experience, private sector HR often pushes innovation faster because of market competition you see practices like flexible work models, strong reward systems, career mobility, and continuous upskilling. International organizations, meanwhile, tend to emphasize compliance, stability, and process integrity, which sometimes slows down innovation but ensures fairness and accountability.

The real value lies in blending the two: adopting the private sector’s agility (career pathways, recognition, people analytics) while leveraging the international organization’s strengths in diversity and mission-driven culture. When HR is positioned as a driver of capability, not just process, it creates both efficiency and an environment where people can thrive.

Wow ABNER Martha,Namibia,DES-PS, interesting question.

I think and propose that as fellows, we can have a weekly convening to share best practices based on past experiences to enhance work processes. For instance, a fellow can share a practical session on their experience. This would be a learning and sharing platform for us all. Here, we can address hiccups on day to day work and life shocks. It would be a platform to physically network.

We can also invite an individual to share their day in a life journey.

It is with such a platform that we can support divisions, sections, units develop or craft out proposals, concept notes, business plans, ideas to enhance programming.

Yes, the panic is obvious for the SDGs actualisation! I totally agree with you on rethinking leadership style and likewise the quality of leadership.

This reduces the time-lag and delivery process for both countries, and I believe this can steer more trade collaborations across various services and products all factors kept constant.

BIRIKA Naomi,Kenya,RITD Great question Naomi! What is happening in Nairobi echoes a broader challenge that has been identified across many African cities including this very city we are standing on, Addis Ababa! The water demand in many cities can no longer be met by the supply, and climate change is not making it easy for us with the changes in hydrological processes. When surface water is no longer enough, groundwater is often deemed as the next possible solution, and we do not stop to think what will happen when the ground water is depleted too! I think its high time we looked into other innovative solutions such as rain water harvesting. Another promising approach is the use of unconventional water resources, such as wastewater reuse and recycling.

Importantly, the water agenda should be mainstreamed into economic development strategies and urban planning processes, recognizing water not only as a social service but also as a critical driver of productivity, public health, and sustainable growth. By embedding water considerations into city master plans, housing policies, and industrial development strategies, we can ensure that future economic expansion and urbanization are matched with resilient, equitable, and sustainable water systems. I cannot over-emphasize the need to build strong institutional collaboration and cross-sectoral integration. Fragmented responsibilities across agencies have hindered cities’ ability to respond to growing water challenges.

And yes, The Africa Water Vision 2025 does acknowledge the challenges posed by the depletion of water tables in cities across the continent. The vision emphasizes the importance of integrated water resources management, which considers both water supply and demand. CFND is currently involved in the drafting and updating of this policy, The Africa Water Vision 2063 alongside AMCOW, a process which I am grateful to be a part of. I will share the policy once its been finalized! As the saying goes “Building a nation is building reliable and good institutions” and institutions or stakeholders are very important building blocks for effective and efficient development. The governance gaps, require not only technical solutions but also institutional reforms that empower local actors, integrate traditional knowledge, and foster inclusive decision-making for long-term water security to implement the vision.

Great to see UNECA driving data-powered social protection. Building robust evidence systems is crucial for inclusive policies across the continent. Looking forward to seeing how the Livingstone outcomes will be scaled and replicated to strengthen resilience and equity in other regions.

Such a timely and important piece! Internet shutdowns are too often dismissed as short-term political measures, yet their ripple effects extend far deeper, stifling SMEs, disrupting cross-border trade, and undermining the very digital ecosystems Africa is working so hard to build under frameworks like the AfCFTA. As someone working at the intersection of technology, and development, I’ve seen how connectivity is not just about communication, it’s infrastructure for innovation, digital skills, financial inclusion, and market access. When the internet goes dark, it’s not only freedom of expression that suffers, but also the livelihoods of young entrepreneurs, farmers, and educators who rely on digital tools daily. Your call to think about legal precedents and pathways forward is especially critical. If Africa is serious about unlocking digital trade and positioning itself competitively in the global economy, safeguarding connectivity must be seen as both an economic imperative and a human right.

As Malawi votes AGAIN tomorrow since multi-democracy in 1994 - it still remains one of the poorest countries in Africa. This is albeit absence of any conflict. The common trend always appears for electives to focus on being re-elected in the next elections, whose motive could bring short term gains that often trade-off with longer term sustainable benefits. One could argue that, uncertainty of re-election of elected presidents is what causes mis-prioritization of development efforts, poor governance, and corruption.

Indeed democracy has its benefits, but does it outweigh its costs for African countries? - specifically asking..."what could have happened if there was no democracy, and presidents were secure about their presidency"?

If yes, then how do we mitigate poor governance that comes from insecurity of re-election?