Puntland State - Seeing Somalia Differently
Mark T Jones
October 02, 2014
It is one of those curious things about entrepreneurs that they have the
ability to see potential where others see nothing. When it comes to
countries and regions that have passed through periods of conflict rather
than seeing nothing, many see worse than nothing, they see RISK, risk
screaming at them in big bold red letters. Risk is a part of every day life
and it is something we consciously or sub-consciously assess on a daily
basis. In reality some of our fears are rational, others exaggerated, whilst
others are based on insufficient factual evidence and can often appear
totally irrational. In truth, sometimes we need to recalibrate and
reappraise, and in so doing we may well find ourselves seeing things
differently. In my experience business and commerce are just as susceptible
to preconceptions and misconceptions as any one. Those familiar with the
notion of confirmation bias will appreciate that the world of business is
filled with irrational decisions and decision makers. Whilst some people are
quite content to buy into the status quo, there are those willing to venture
forth and see whether what they are being told bears up to scrutiny. Such
enterprising souls have much to teach us all.
Richard D. Mbogga, CEO - Meden International Ltd (
<
http://www.medensystems.com/> www.medensystems.com) is one of those
individuals who takes pride in seeing things differently. As someone who
heads up an Intelligent Traffic Lighting Systems company he appreciates the
importance of seeking new markets and winning contracts. Travel is integral
to his business, as for him it is all about discovering the true situation
on the ground. He is a no nonsense sought of guy, the type of fellow who has
little time for standing on ceremony, as a CEO he has no problem with
rolling up his sleeves and ensuring a job is done, done well, on time and on
budget. So it came of little surprise to discover that this enterprising
individual was prepared to travel from London to Puntland State, Somalia a
couple of weeks ago to oversee the installation of state of the art solar
powered traffic lights. For Mbogga here was an opportunity to win business,
see the situation for himself and eye up future opportunities. What is more
from what he observed he is clear that Puntland State, Somalia has in
traffic light parlance moved from red to amber and is showing signs of
considerable promise.
Puntland State has much to be proud of, an increasing number of commentators
and Horn of Africa specialists see Puntland as the template of how a stable
Somalia could be. The Presidential election 8th January 2014 not only saw a
trouble free election in Puntland, but also an incredibly smooth transition
free from acrimony or clan tension. Since then President Abdiweli Ali Gas,
the 5th President of Puntland State, has been a man on a mission, intent on
ensuring that various ministries are headed up by individuals of calibre.
Puntland's President has made clear that if the region is to move forward
infrastructure development and national capacity building is the key. With a
limited budget, it is vital that private enterprise be encouraged and
resources received from the international donor community be used
judiciously for the good of the state as a whole. Whilst it is early days,
the drive for infrastructure development is already beginning to yield
results, with two new runways and airports to be constructed at Garowe (the
state capital) and at Bosasso (the key commercial port). These two projects
alone look set to greatly increase regional connectivity, something that is
already eagerly anticipated. Uppermost in the minds of all Puntland State
government officials is the issue of security and whilst challenges remain,
it is clear there is a renewed sense of purpose in the desire to forge an
economic climate that will begin to create the jobs the region so
desperately needs. Ministers are remarkably candid about the challenges that
remain, they recognise that there is considerable expectation from locals,
returning members of the Diaspora and international partners. Puntland
cannot wholly isolate itself from what is going on around it, but is
determined to become a template of what the whole of Somalia could become.
This message is a strong one, one that appears to resonate well with
potential investors. In Puntland State, here is a region that is committed
to normalising its relations with its neighbours, one that does not seek to
fracture the country with secessionist aspirations, and which importantly is
intent on tackling the scourge of youth unemployment and underemployment.
Importantly Puntland State has set great store by equity and
democratisation. It seeks harmonious relations with the national government
in Mogadishu, but is keen to see that the regions such as itself are not
held back due to lack of funds and resources. Its strategic location means
it is well placed to be a regional gateway as well as a strategic trading
centre. It is also worth noting that it is blessed with a topography that
means it is ideal for harnessing both wind and solar energy. Nation building
is well underway, yet much more remains to be done. Here is a part of the
Somali narrative that is very different to that which is usually told.
Puntland is not seeking handouts, but desires people of goodwill to help it
on its quest for normalisation. Serious investors are already receiving the
green light and there is anecdotal evidence that more are expressing
interest in sectors as diverse as construction, fisheries, mining and
tourism. Of course as in all great enterprises risks remain, but for all the
challenges probably the greatest risk of all for potential investors is that
they miss an opportunity to be part of a remarkable success story, one that
is seeing Somalia differently.
Received on Thu Oct 02 2014 - 13:36:16 EDT