Transcript Developing structures for research in an African

Developing structures for
research in an African university:
The case study of the Protestant
University of Congo
Prof. Patrick Bakengela Shamba
Professor of Human Resource management
Program director of the Congolese- German Centre for
Microfinance
FOUR MAIN QUESTIONS
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Why is it important to develop structures for
research in african universities ?
What is the link between researches and
development ?
Is the african university an instrument of
development or an instrument of
underdevelopment ?
What strategy can organizations involved in the
development (e.g. EED) take to have more
efficient results on the ground in Africa?
…
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Illustration with the case of the Protestant
University in Congo: a partnership
between Frankfurt School of Finance and
Management and the Protestant University
of Congo
Plan
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Research in African universities
Research and development : the case
of DRC
Case of the partnership between
Frankfurt School of Finance and
Management and the Protestant
University of Congo
“Research” in African universities
When one examines the role of the African university in its contribution the
development of the continent, we note:
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the university in sub-Saharan Africa remains on the sidelines of the
major problems of society in which it is located,
The African university remains deeply depend on the researches and
theories made in West which are sometimes far from the practical
realities on ground in Africa.
Insignificant amount of money is spent to sustain “research” in the
sub-Saharan African universities: in DRC, less than 1% of GNP is spent
on education
In some countries, professors are getting older whereas there is not
sufficiently young professor who are interested to work in some
insufficient conditions (not well paid, no facilities: Internet, library, etc.)
Africans in sub-Saharan universities are less involved in the
international scientific activities
Etc.
Consequences:
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Less emphasis is put on the local realities
The education is far away from the society
problems
Courses are often not up dated…
Africa still remain dependant to the West
2. Research and development : the
case of DRC
DRC IS A PARADOXICAL COUNTRY: A RICH-POOR COUNTRY
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the 3rd vast country in Africa, behind Sudan and Algeria
the most populated country in the central Africa: 65 millions of habitants
potentially very rich country
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hold 80 % world reserve of colombite-tantalite (coltan)
1/3 world reserve of cobalt
1/10 world reserve of copper
diamond, gold,
etc.
A country with the poorest population :
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Congolese lives with less than 1 $ per day and per person
More than 80 % of population live in extreme poverty and are employed or self-employed in
the informal sector
More than 75 % of the population do not have access to banking system and do not have
bank accounts
In 1986, 62 % of the revenue was spent for food
2. Research and development : the
case of DRC
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No academic or professional programs to
develop competencies on local resources
In Economics: the study of the informal
economy is neglected (More than 60% of the
population have job in the informal sector)
University produces ‘elite’ – far from local
problems
Etc.
CASE: Partnership between Frankfurt School
of Finance and Management and the
Protestant University of Congo
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Partnership between Frankfurt School of
Finance and Management and the
Protestant University of Congo
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Creation of the Congolese – German Centre for Microfinance/ DAAD
Opportunities for Microfinance in Congo
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Large proportion of population underbanked
High demand for microfinance services
First entrepreneur microfinance institutions (Procredit) very
encouraging results
Limitations for microfinance
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Lack
Lack
Lack
Lack
of
of
of
of
regulatory framework
coherent political strategy
qualified personnel
training opportunities
Partnership between Frankfurt School of
Finance and Management and the
Protestant University of Congo
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Aims of the project 2008-2013
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Become a true centre of excellence for microfinance
Design and implement a custom-tailored Master level
programme open for exceptionally talented bachelor students of
economics in Congo and the region in order to develop
microfinance researchers and practitioners
Etablish microfinance practitioners’ networknetwork under the
auspices of UPC
Host annual symposium for microfinance researchers and
practitioners
Launch programme: 35 students (Autumn 2009/ 15 will receive
DAAD scholarship to study at UPC)
Thanks