African politics is often accused of a being a mere business venture with the politicians’ sole aim of enriching their private pocket from public coffers. While this is in many cases the truth, another very disappointing phenomenon is the dearth of successful self-made African Businessmen in African politics.

Politics is unarguably a business and the running of a country not far different from running a business. The successful running of a country is dependent on leaders with effective management skills, an acute business acumen, an innovative mindset and a disciplined attitude towards achieving goals- these are all stocked in successful businessmen. Perhaps what has kept Africa’s politics in its dire state is the absence of successful businessmen in this business of governance.

This is what Indonesia has tapped into with its two Presidential contenders – Prabowo Subianto and Joko Widodo – being successful business entrepreneurs. While the media have concentrated on the differences between these two political rivals, the former a past military general seen as elitist and of the old stock while the latter a considered a new brand and more in touch with the masses, both men have in common successful business careers as their foundation. It is their business careers that have propelled their political status and drawn them a strong almost equal support base.

Prabowo Subianto, the son of an economist, had a 28 year military career which was tainted with controversies but since leaving the military and venturing into business since his successes have been highly remarkable.

After purchasing his first enterprise Kiani Kertas, a paper pulp and plantation company which he rebranded to Kertas Nusantara as a part of his Nusantara Energy, Prabowo has gone on to own a conglomerate- Nusantara Group- which controls 27 companies in Indonesia and abroad. Prabowo’s companies includes Nusantara Energy (oil and natural gas, coal), Tidar Kerinci Agung (palm oil plantations) and Jaladri Nusantara (fishery industry). His company was awarded ISO 900-2005 as one of the highest quality management company.

Prabowo Subianto’s track record in business and management is what has drawn him popular backing with supporters describing him as the best hand for Indonesia. His supporters describe him as a tough and decisive leader, characteristics he proved in his businesses. They point him as the man to raise Indonesia’s economic and political standing in the world, someone who with his proven integrity, would restore order and respect.

Though not vast, business-wise, as Subianto, Jokowi Widodo is an engineer-turned-entrepreneur who built a reputable furniture business before entering politics to serve as mayor of his hometown, Surakarta, and later governor of Jakarta, the capital and largest city in Indonesia. His ‘self-made man’ image which he acquired from his business is what has made him a middle-class favourite. “He is someone who has not climbed to power through the old routes — the military, struggle for independence or family connections,” notes Manu Bhaskaran, CEO of consultancy Centennial Asia Advisors in Singapore, as quoted by institutionalinvestor.com.

Widodo’s business-style politics has borne him tremendous success as Governor of Jakarta, he is applauded debottlenecking long-stalled infrastructure projects in Jakarta and getting unpopular things done, like removing squatters and roadside hawkers, quietly but effectively. His supporters describe him as an excellent economic manager citing his business background as stints as mayor and governor. His hands-on style and consensus building skills, they argue, is what the country needs.

Regardless of who between these two wins the election, and the arguments of who is better by their supporters, what is clear is that Indonesians have fallen to men with successful business backgrounds to reinvigorate the country’s $900 billion economy.

Despite being the largest Southeast Asian economy, the Indonesia’s growth which was robust for many years, is currently decelerating due to the unwinding of the global commodities boom and a slower growth in its main market, China. The Archipelago is in dire need of diversifying its economy from being solely commodities-driven to having a manufacturing base. And this is what both contenders are offering; actually their economic plans are similar.

Analysts believe both Subianto and Jokowi, thanks to their successful business backgrounds, have the wherewithal to get the job done. The difference is perhaps the means; Prabowo being part of the elite is more likely to cut deals and do the necessary horse trading to move his agenda, while Jokowi with his hustler mentality has shown a knack for consensus building and getting laws through an unfriendly Assembly in Jakarta.

Now, back to Africa. You don’t even need an in-depth research to realise the lack of direct participation of our successful Businessmen in politics. The recent past elections in Africa has not shown any change in trend, Malawi’s 2014 election featured “seasoned and career politicians incumbent Joyce Banda and Arthur Peter Mutharika, who won the election. The same was the case in South Africa’s recent election with winner Jacob Zuma, runner-ups Helen Zille and Julius Malema. The contenders being mouthed in Nigeria’s upcoming (2015) presidential election also have no renowned businessman among them.

The fact that successful African Businessmen with proven management qualities are not in short supply makes wonder why they stand aside to watch their countries struggle with effective leadership especially economically. Perhaps it’s the terrain; African politics have always been viewed as driven by sentiments than ideas, and Businessmen with their eyes focused on targets, goals and results may find the tribal bickering and ethno-religious leanings that often accompany African politics frustrating.

Another reason could be the dictation of interests. There could be an issue of balancing personal business interests and building national economic progress. Our businessmen may also be sacred that their ventures could be prone to attacks by their political rivals. This could be why they prefer to rather discreetly support career politicians and political activists than coming to the forefront.

But Africa, with its huge potentials against inefficient maximization, need this successful businessmen on its driver seat to quicken its economic growth. And African Businessmen must answer this call, their status as ‘already made’ already bulks up public trust on them that they will not, like many African career politicians, steal public funds. With their proven management prowess and a strong passion for their country, as with their businesses, they are the best hands for African leadership.

The business of African politics has been in the hands of academics, activists and career politicians for a very long time, and their successes have been unarguably limited. Is it not time for African Businessmen and women, who have built renowned business empires- often from scratch- to take the leading role in building Africa?

By Obiukwu Onyedimmakachukwu

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