Peter Joseph Singhatey : How African innovation can take on the world

Sunday, 11 August 2013

How African innovation can take on the world - CNN.com

In this period of gloomy economic forecasts, Africa's rise has become a widely discussed international policy topic. The sweeping optimism about Africa's economic prospects has been reinforced by 2013 projections that the continent will grow faster than the world average...

Brief Profile:

Started my career with the Gambia Armed Forces (GAF) where I served seventeen years in various capacities. I am a graduate from the Royal Military Academy Sandhurst in the UK, School of Infantry and Tactics in both the USA and Pakistan and attended Staff College in Nigeria. I have a diploma in African Strategic Studies from Nasser Higher Military Academy in Cairo, Egypt and hold a MA in International Security and Conflict Studies from Dublin City University. I have also recently completed a Professional Diploma in Financial Advice to provide further insight into the world of banking and finance with a view to exploring how sustainable microfinance initiatives can help break the poverty cycle, enhance microeconomic stability and be an integral part of a broader conflict prevention strategy in the Developing World especially Africa.

While serving with the GAF I had the opportunity to work with the AU Mission in Sudan, the UN Assistance Mission in Sierra Leone and the ECOWAS Peacekeeping Force in Guinea Bissau. The experience enlightened me to the intricacies of the wars which has proved invaluable to my understanding of causes of conflict and exposed me to ways that help prevent, resolve and transform conflict effectively.

Frequent trips to Africa keeps me in touch with the painful reality on the Continent which motivates me to remain focused on dedicated research for innovative ideas. I remain deeply concerned for the displaced and vulnerable and continue to bring my experience, working in conflict affected areas of Africa, to bear and contribute where appropriate to create lasting and positive change in the lives of the vulnerable.