By Angelo Akech Dengdit
Margaret Thatcher noted, “In politics, if you want anything said, ask a man; if you want anything done, ask a woman.” This underscores the effectiveness of women in action-oriented roles compared to their male counterparts.
President, H.E. Gen. Salva Kiir Mayardit, is working day and night looking for a solution. To me, if the solution was a person, it would ultimately be Madam Awut Deng Achuil, the current Minister for General Education & Instruction, giving her the ability to make swift reform in the education sector in South Sudan.
Ladies and gentlemen, before I elaborate on why I believe that Awut Deng is the potential tool for economic reform, I would like to recognize the efforts of the previous and incumbent ministers of finance and governors of the Central Bank, respectively.
The article serves as an opinion and exercise of rights enshrined in Article 24 of the Transitional Constitution of South Sudan; no defamation, character assassination, or sabotage is intended.
Background on Awut Deng Achuil and Education Reform
Awut Deng Achuil has been a significant figure in the education sector of South Sudan. As the Minister of General Education and Instruction, she has focused on improving access to education, enhancing educational quality, and addressing systemic challenges within the educational framework. Her efforts have included initiatives aimed at increasing enrollment rates, particularly among girls, and implementing teacher training programs. The reforms she has championed are crucial in a country where education is foundational for future development.
Challenges Facing Economic Reform in South Sudan
To assess whether Awut Deng Achuil can reform economics in South Sudan, it is essential to understand the current economic landscape. South Sudan faces numerous challenges:
- Conflict and Instability: Ongoing conflicts have severely disrupted economic activities, leading to instability that hampers investment and growth.
- Dependence on Oil Revenues: The economy is heavily reliant on oil exports, which makes it vulnerable to fluctuations in global oil prices.
- Inflation and Currency Devaluation: High inflation rates and a depreciating currency have eroded purchasing power and savings for many citizens.
- Infrastructure Deficiencies: Poor infrastructure limits trade opportunities and access to markets, further stifling economic growth.
- Lack of Diversification: The economy lacks diversification beyond oil, making it susceptible to external shocks.
Awut Deng Achuil’s Qualifications for Economic Reform
While her background is primarily in education, politics, and foreign affairs, several factors could enable her to contribute positively to economic reform:
- Leadership Experience: Her role as a minister demonstrates her capability to lead initiatives and manage complex systems.
- Understanding of Human Capital Development: Education reform directly ties into economic development; improving education can enhance workforce skills, which is vital for economic productivity.
- Potential for Cross-Sector Collaboration: Successful economic reform often requires collaboration across various sectors (e.g., health, agriculture). Her experience may facilitate partnerships that address broader developmental issues.
Strategies for Economic Reform
If Awut Deng Achuil were to engage in economic reform efforts, potential strategies could include:
- Investment in Human Capital: Continuing her focus on education while integrating vocational training programs that align with market needs could help create a skilled workforce.
- Promoting Agricultural Development: Given that agriculture employs a significant portion of the population, investing in agricultural technologies and practices could diversify the economy away from oil dependence.
- Strengthening Institutions: Building robust institutions that promote transparency and accountability would be critical for attracting foreign investment and fostering a stable business environment.
- Encouraging Private Sector Growth: Policies aimed at supporting small businesses and entrepreneurship could stimulate job creation and innovation.
Awut has a degree in political sciences from the Catholic University of Eastern Africa.
While the economics sector requires someone with an educational background in economics, finance, business, or a related field, it’s essential to recognize that political scientists possess the qualities and abilities to magically reform the economy.
In most cases, political science is inclusive of political science and economics, sometimes referred to as political economy.
Political economy is a branch of political science and economy that studies economic systems (e.g., markets and national economies) and their governance by political systems (e.g., law, institutions, and government). Widely studied phenomena within the discipline are systems such as labor markets and financial markets, as well as phenomena such as growth, distribution, inequality, and trade, and how these are shaped by institutions, laws, and government policy. Originating in the 16th century, it is the precursor to the modern discipline of economics. Political economy in its modern form is considered an interdisciplinary field, drawing on theory from both political science and modern economics.
Political science uses analytical models that relate certain independent and dependent variables to one another in a systematic way. These can be called “partial” and. general” equilibrium models. Partial-equilibrium analysis assumes other things equal, or in Latin, ceteris paribus.
Understanding the Relationship between Economics and Education
The relationship between economic reform and education reform is complex and multifaceted. Economic reforms often aim to improve the overall economic environment, which can include changes in taxation, labour laws, trade policies, and public spending. These reforms can have direct and indirect effects on education systems. For instance, a stronger economy may lead to increased funding for public schools, improved teacher salaries, and enhanced educational resources. Conversely, economic downturns can result in budget cuts that negatively impact educational quality.
Political scientists possess a deep understanding of government structures, political theory, and the dynamics of policymaking.
To address whether political scientists can reform economics, it is essential to first understand the relationship between these two fields. Political science and economics are intertwined disciplines that influence each other significantly. Political scientists study how political institutions, processes, and behavior impact economic policies and outcomes. Conversely, economists analyze how economic conditions affect political stability, governance, and policymaking.
The Role of Political Scientists in Economic Reform
Political scientists can play a crucial role in reforming economics by providing insights into how political structures shape economic policies. They can identify the barriers to effective economic governance, such as corruption, lack of accountability, and institutional inefficiencies. By analyzing these factors, political scientists can propose reforms that enhance the effectiveness of economic policies.
For instance, they may advocate for changes in electoral systems or campaign finance laws to reduce the influence of money in politics. This could lead to more equitable economic policies that address issues like income inequality and access to resources. Additionally, political scientists can contribute to public discourse on economic issues by framing debates around social justice and equity.
Interdisciplinary Collaboration for Effective Reforms
Reforming economics effectively requires collaboration between political scientists and economists. While economists provide empirical data and theoretical frameworks for understanding economic phenomena, political scientists offer perspectives on how policies are formulated and implemented within specific political contexts. This interdisciplinary approach can lead to more comprehensive solutions that consider both economic efficiency and social equity.
Political scientists can indeed contribute to reforming economics, particularly by identifying systemic issues within political institutions that hinder effective economic policymaking. Their role becomes even more critical when combined with economists’ expertise to create holistic solutions addressing both economic performance and social welfare. However, achieving meaningful reforms will require overcoming significant challenges related to power dynamics within politics and ensuring that academic insights translate into practical applications.
Conclusion
In conclusion, while Awut Deng Achuil has demonstrated effective leadership in educational reforms, her ability to reform economics in South Sudan will depend on several factors, including collaboration with other sectors, addressing systemic challenges within the economy, leveraging her experience in human capital development, and implementing strategic initiatives tailored to the unique context of South Sudan.
Thus, while there are pathways through which she could influence economic reform positively, success would require comprehensive strategies addressing both immediate needs and long-term structural changes.
The author is a student residing in Juba.