By Beamie-Moses Seiwoh
I wheeled down to Singapore this morning for work and will be here for a week—an opportunity to experience firsthand a country that has transformed from an underdeveloped island into a strong economy.
It is one of the most remarkable development success stories of the 20th century. From work experience, I have reviewed and analyzed Singapore’s development model with much admiration.
My observations of the country’s impressive infrastructural developments coupled with an insightful conversation with my Singaporean taxi driver during a drive from the airport to the hotel is evident that the country’s transformation from a struggling post-colonial state to a thriving global financial and technological hub was driven by visionary leadership, strategic economic policies, and investment in human capital.
Today, with a population of approximately 5.9 million, Singapore stands as a prime example of what pragmatic governance, disciplined long-term economic planning, and an unwavering commitment to progress can achieve.
The country is a hallmark of what development is in practice rather than on paper. It has a low crime rate; one of the safest places to live and visit in the world, and a functional economy with a high GDP per capita. A universal health care system with a lifespan of 82 and a quality educational system that is one of the best in the world. Singapore is truly a marvel of development practicalized beyond rhetorics.
And let me note that unlike many natural resource-rich nations in the Global South, including Sierra Leone, Singapore has no mineral wealth, yet, over the years, it has focused on homegrown solutions to address its development challenges. As a result, Singapore has emerged as one of the world’s most prosperous and well-governed countries in the world.
It is no surprise that leaders from the Global South, upon being elected, often run to Singapore, seeking inspiration through South-South and Triangular Cooperation initiatives. This includes study tours and technical exchanges to learn about development strategies, governance models, infrastructure planning, and economic policies. However, the irony is that many return home without implementing the lessons learned, leaving their countries trapped in the cycle of poverty, underdevelopment, and aid dependency.
And with aid flow being put on hold, if not entirely closing, by the Americans, African leaders should begin to use their resources to practicalize development. It is time for African leaders to substitute paper development with practice.
They should prioritize homegrown solutions to address their development challenges, just as Singapore did. African leaders should practicalize development on paper. Big billboards showing a tap running water only make sense when citizens are assured of piped water without worry.
Over the years, I have studied various development strategies and models and continue to engage in the sector, working in conflict-affected, transitioning, and post-conflict countries. So, I understand what development looks like—on paper and in practice.
Therefore, when I speak about these issues in Sierra Leone, it is in the interest of our country for development and not as an opposition to the government as some may assume albeit falsely.
Calling out inappropriate behaviour by public officers should not be mistaken for hate or malice. Public office is a place to serve and not an opportunity to fulfil personal aggrandisement.
Our constitutional democracy empowers citizens to question public officials and demand accountability for how their affairs are managed.
Public officers are servants of the people. They should be above reproach with the constant track of their lifestyles, especially in countries where basic amenities are a luxury and only affordable to a few.
In a country where people are in a mad rush to migrate to the West and many of her citizens have chosen other countries as their home, folks like us have only one place to call home, and that’s Sierra Leone.
Our commitment to her progress should never be mistaken for opposition but rather as a participatory engagement in the governance process.
I shall endeavour to provide more insights from the great Singapore in the coming days.
Wishing you all a productive week ahead!
About the Editor
Seiwoh is a Development Practitioner. The views and opinions expressed in this article are solely his own and do not reflect the official policies, positions, or views of any affiliated organization. Seiwoh writes in a personal capacity. Therefore, any interpretations, conclusions, or recommendations made are entirely his.
