Development as an Attitude: Not a Budget Line
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In Africa, we know how to turn a funeral into a festival, a traffic jam into a business seminar, and a power cut into a poetry night. But can we turn mindset into measurable development? That is the real test.
We often treat development like it is something handed to us by outsiders, but what if development isn’t a project or a policy? What if it’s an attitude?
In a small village in Ghana, a chief got tired of waiting for government to fix a borehole. So he taxed himself. Then the community. One month later, clean water. No consultants. Just attitude.
We have graduates fluent in theory but allergic to tools. Roads with ribbon-cutting ceremonies but no drainage. Innovation gets talked about more than it gets lived. Why? Because we have outsourced responsibility!!!
Real development starts small: refusing to litter, resisting bribes, showing up on time. It is in the market woman sending her daughter to school and the boda rider following traffic rules even when no one is watching.
Africa doesn’t lack potential; we lack the consistent attitude to unlock it.
If we want lasting change, let’s stop waiting for “the system.” Let’s be the system.
Because in the end, development isn’t about big money; it’s about bold mindsets!
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Very thought-provoking LIPEDE Omolola Mary,Nigeria,GPSPD ! Is it the education system that needs to be changed? Perhaps not entirely, but there is undoubtedly a need to bridge the gap between academia and industry implementation. By incorporating practical skills, experiential learning, and entrepreneurial training into education systems, we can better equip graduates to contribute meaningfully to their communities and economies.
The concern surrounding the applicability of research models in real-life situations is a valid one. Researchers often assert "it's research," when asked about how realistic their work is. Although this highlights the intricate work and academic rigor behind their models and work, it is essential to recognize that for research to be genuinely impactful, it must extend beyond theoretical frameworks and serve as a practical tool for addressing real-world challenges. LIPEDE Omolola Mary,Nigeria,GPSPD You have articulated it so well, the transformative change we seek in our communities and societies begins at the most fundamental level, within each one of us as individuals.
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LIPEDE Omolola Mary,Nigeria,GPSPD Absolutely!!!!!! everything starts with mindsets. I also admire how the World Bank has a Mind, Behaviour and Development Unit that looks at the human side of change. If we could integrate this kind of thinking from the school level upward, it would shape not just skills but the way future generations approach development, innovation, and problem-solving
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This reflection powerfully captures the essence of grassroots development. It challenges us to rethink our approach by emphasizing that true progress stems from attitude and personal responsibility rather than waiting for external solutions. The story from Ghana illustrates how local initiative can drive significant change without bureaucratic hurdles. By fostering a culture of accountability, integrity, and proactive engagement, we can unlock Africa's vast potential. Ultimately, development is about cultivating bold mindsets and taking ownership of our collective future.
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This is a powerful and engaging piece. I really appreciate how you connect everyday realities like boreholes, traffic jams, and boda riders to the bigger question of Africa’s development. It makes the argument feel grounded and relatable. The narrative flows well, and the repetition of “attitude” gives it rhythm and emphasis. One area to strengthen could be the call to action. Right now, the piece ends with a strong slogan“development isn’t about big money; it’s about bold mindsets” which inspires. But you could go one step further by suggesting what practical actions individuals, communities, or leaders can take to embody that bold mindset. That way, the reader leaves not just motivated, but also with a sense of direction.
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Dans l'ensemble, c'est un message convaincant qui incite à la réflexion. Avec une feuille de route un peu plus claire à la fin, il pourrait passer de l'inspiration à la mobilisation.
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GULE Thandile Tanzile,Eswatini,CFND Thank you Thandile for highlighting more critical topics. I was listening to a webinar organised by ILO last month and the issue of research not meeting reality on ground was strongly stressed. Maybe we need to rethink our approach to research.
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ABNER Martha,Namibia,DES-PS I totally agree with you Martha.
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ARAGAW Bezawit, Ethiopia, TICID Yes, development is taking ownership!!!
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TADADJEU NGUEMO Sosson ,Cameroon, SRO-SA Thank you!
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Nice piece of thought. Thanks for sharing Lola.
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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?
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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.
