By Elizabeth R. Auma K, Trade Policy Leader/Bridging Policy, People & Purpose/ Founder, Hearts&Trade

I have attended a number of sessions on financial literacy and one message has repeatedly stood out- if you want to make more money, you must first be willing to invest what you have wisely.

The same principle applies in Trade Policy. For trade policy to register success, a country must exchange something of value with another country. Whether a nation is large or small, developed or developing, it must have something to give if it hopes to receive what it lacks or create greater opportunities for growth.

This equally applies to people and organisations. I have observed that people who remain perpetually in need may not be simply because they have little but because they struggle to invest what they already have in ways that generate value.

I once attended a wedding planning meeting where the bride and groom came with a long list of expectations, yet when asked what they themselves had committed, the answer was very little. It was not surprising that the level of contribution from others, including myself was rather low.

On another occasion, I attended a similar meeting where the couple had already invested substantially in their own wedding. They had demonstrated commitment and sacrifice. Interestingly, friends and family responded by giving generously and willingly. Myself, inclusive.

That experience taught me two important lessons.

1. People are willing to invest in a vision where their owner has already demonstrated sacrifice and commitment.
2. Growth comes to those who see money as a tool rather than a destination.

I believe the same principle applies to nations. Africa’s transformation will largely depend on its willingness to invest in itself before expecting others to do so. Infrastructure, education, innovation, research, value addition, and productive industries all require intentional investment.

Development partners and investors may support that journey, but they are unlikely to build our future for us. A neighbour may admire your garden, but very few will invest in growing it unless they believe they will share in its harvest.