In 2007, I came across a Wall Street Journal article, "The Secrets of Intangible Wealth" (click here to download PDF).
The author, Ronald Bailey, discusses a previous World Bank study that outlined the world's intangible wealth, which is characterized by elements of trust and 'well being' in countries. These are not readily measured, but they add to the country's functionality and human capital.
Considering this, what can be said about Tanzania's intangible wealth? What are the factors not currently measured that we can improve to raise the level of intellectual and human capital?
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The biggest intangible asset Tanzania has, is its unity. Tanzania hasn't suffered from ethnic tensions and strife that surrounding countries such as Kenya, Congo, Rwanda and Burundi have suffered in the past which really puts their image in negative light and significantly hinders long term development.
ReplyDeleteAfter reading a couple of opening paragraphs, I started to believe that we might actually be better off than what most conventional statistics suggest, considering how rich our African countries are in terms of natural resources. But after throwing in other crucial factors, such as good governance, judicial system etc., well, the chasm between the 1st and 3rd world nations is in fact LARGER?? I am not quite sure if other 'forgotten' factors would give us a significantly different picture of reality.
ReplyDeleteMind, I like the fact that Tanzania is well-known to have a 'stable' Unity (although I feel a bit indifferent every now and then when I hear some comments re: Tanganyika and Zanzibar). But, should this quieten us whenever we hear Richmond-type of scandals? Just to protect Undugu? I always ask myself: what would happen if those scandals took place in other countries.