A recent discussion paper from the African Union suggests that the fact that Asia has achieved the highest economic growth rates in the world in the last half century may not be unrelated to the existence of many vibrant National Productivity Organizations (NPOs) in the Asia-Pacific region and the activities of the Asian Productivity Organization (APO), the only intergovernmental regional organization that is actively promoting the cause of productivity.

Can the AU (and PAPA – the PanAfrican Productivity Association)  match the impact of APO?

Well, they are going to try. Let’s wish them well. The world needs a productive Africa!

BUT are the existing NPOs in Africa ‘vibrant’?  Sadly, I fear not.  But a new, collective initiative might re-energise them – especially if they have government and AU support.