“The traditional approach for many businesses in the African continent is to invest in financial capital and only look at the human capital as a last resort. I encourage all businesses to have a balanced view where the human capital is well skilled and resourced to run the finances first followed by financial investments. That way we will be assured of sustainable business growth accompanied by positive impact on the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs)” said Paul Malherbe, CEO of African Management Services Company (AMSCO) at the 2012 MDG Review Summit & Exhibition.
Malherbe cited examples of competitive and sustainable businesses supported by AMSCO that became successful when following the new way of thinking. He also added that sometimes the solutions to the most complex challenges start with something small, like human capital development.
The role of business as one of the solutions to achieve the goals was clearly displayed through the various keynotes and presentations done by organisations such as ABSA, Alcatel Lucent, Sumitomo, Vestergaard Frandsen, AGCO, Ericsson, Roche and AECF.
The Private sector is now a vital partner to Governments in creating economic and social development. While some notable progress has been made towards achieving the MDGs by 2015, success remains very uneven. Bridging the gaps that still exist within the remaining three years will require a concerted effort by all, including the private sector.
With just a few more years to the target year for the MDGs, the MDG Review Summit & Exhibition could not have come at a better time.” |
