����vlog����

This spring, the Harvard Center for International Development (CID) welcomed Mr. Patrick Achi, the former Prime Minister of Côte d’Ivoire, as a Senior Fellow. After stepping down from government in October 2023, Mr. Achi was interested to research what was slowing down Africa's economic transformation and human development, especially as compared to other emerging economies in Asia. He also taught a CID Student Seminar on "Unlocking Africa’s Potential through Development," which provided insights into the challenges hindering Africa's progress and explored strategies to unlock the continent's potential. Seminar students—who came from across Harvard University—benefited from Mr. Achi’s extensive government and private sector experience and practical hands-on knowledge in working with the global community of international development actors.

Author Daniel Saka Mbumba served as a teaching fellow for Mr. Achi, supporting him in preparing and delivering his seminar. Before Mr. Achi returned to Côte d'Ivoire, Daniel interviewed him about his time at CID.

Q: What did you hope to achieve by accepting this fellowship and spending time as a senior fellow at Harvard CID?

As a seasoned political actor and government official with over two decades of experience, my primary objective in accepting this fellowship and serving as a senior fellow at CID was to leverage my extensive expertise to benefit the next generation of leaders. I intended to share the wealth of knowledge I have gathered throughout my long career as a politician and head of government, overseeing the implementation of numerous public policies. Additionally, I was eager to collaborate with distinguished faculties to explore academic research that addresses critical and sensitive issues which continue to challenge governments in developing countries, particularly in Africa.

In the daily grind of government work, it is all too common to become deeply entrenched in immediate tasks, leaving little room for continuous reassessing of strategies based on the latest academic research. This is where the insights from faculty and fellows proved invaluable. This fellowship also offered an excellent opportunity for faculty engaged in research to gain insights into real-world practices. By fostering this dialogue, we bridged the gap between research and practice, ultimately enhancing the efficacy and impact of both academic endeavors and governmental policies.

Q: What have you learned, and how will it impact your professional journey?

During my tenure at CID, I gained substantial insights from distinguished professors on development economics, covering topics like economic systems, social policies, environmental sustainability, gender equity, food security, climate change, and agricultural development. 

Reflecting on my experience, two key lessons stand out. First, the paramount importance of education, talent management, and human capital development in achieving high performance in both public and private sectors. Second, despite efforts, substantial progress is still needed in gender equality, requiring heightened awareness, education, and proactive measures, particularly among male leaders.

This realization will profoundly influence my professional journey. As the president of a regional council, I will place greater emphasis on human capital development and ensure education, talent development, and leadership training are central to all my projects. Additionally, I am committed to integrating gender perspectives into all my initiatives, recognizing their critical role in sustainable development. My Harvard experience has profoundly influenced my approach, and I am determined to apply these insights.

Q: What were some of your personal highlights during your time at Harvard?

One of the most profound highlights of my tenure at Harvard was participating in CID's 15th annual Global Empowerment Meeting (GEM), which focused on gender equality with the theme of “Breaking Barriers for Women and Girls.” I had the distinct honor of joining a panel with the former Prime Minister of Jordan, , moderated by PBS News co-anchor , where we discussed public policies aimed at advancing gender equality in our countries. This experience was instrumental in deepening my understanding of gender issues and made me realize that while many of us believe we are implementing effective gender policies, the actual awareness and prioritization of these is often significantly lacking.

As leaders, we are frequently shaped by our immediate environments and cultural contexts, which can constrain our efforts to effect meaningful change. However, the academic setting here at Harvard, combined with the presence of diverse voices from across the globe, provided a unique opportunity to examine these issues from multiple perspectives. Engaging with individuals who brought varied viewpoints, perceptions, and emotional insights allowed me to revisit and critically reassess one of the most pressing issues in public administration and governance today. The work started at CID this spring is continuing in the La Mé region of Côte d’Ivoire this summer with CID fellow and Harvard students on the ground, raising awareness and conducting research to increase opportunities and living standards for the women of La Mé.

Q: When you think about a nation’s complex journey to economic stability and prosperity, what is important for future African leaders to keep in mind?

When considering a nation's complex journey to economic stability and prosperity, it is crucial for future African leaders to keep several key principles in mind.

First, they must understand that the contribution of an individual to national development transcends personal ambition. It is not merely about holding power; it is about a commitment that goes beyond oneself. Leaders must be driven by passion, humility, and a spirit of sacrifice, always prioritizing the progress of the people and the nation over personal interest. Maintaining the momentum of genuine progress requires constant selflessness and dedication to the greater good.

Second, running a country is a huge task that can be a success only if the leader is humble enough to surround him (or her) with the best people.

Third, it is essential to recognize that developing a nation's capabilities is a long-term endeavor that extends beyond one's lifetime. The true measure of success is not the immediate results seen during one's tenure, but the initiation and hard work put into projects whose benefits will be realized in the future. If the groundwork is laid well, even if unfinished, future generations can continue the development trajectory. Development is an ongoing process, and the seeds sown today must be nurtured by those who come after us.

Fourth, and perhaps most importantly, when dedicating one's life to the prosperity and development of a nation, leaders must focus on preparing the next generation. The ultimate accomplishment lies not just in the tangible achievements but in ensuring that there are capable successors to carry forward the mission. If leaders fail to cultivate and mentor future leaders, all progress made can be undone rapidly. The greatest threat to development is the discontinuity of progress, leading to regression.

In essence, future African leaders must embrace a holistic and selfless approach to governance, ensuring that their efforts are geared towards sustainable, long-term development and that they invest in the next generation to secure a prosperous future for their nations.