Lango’s cultural leaders have been urged to play a “proactive role” in steering the region’s socioeconomic transformation through innovation, investment, and modern technology.
This call was outlined in a recently released guide, “Re-Engineering Lango’s Transformation Through Socioeconomic Innovations,” authored by Dr. Chris Ongom, Director of the Chamber of Commerce, Lango Chapter, and CEO of GLOFORD Institute of Innovation, in collaboration with Ms. Beatrice Akello, Deputy Executive Secretary of the Lango Cultural Institution.
The guide takes a strategic approach to economic growth, emphasizing unity, resource optimization, and the adoption of modern farming and entrepreneurship.
They argue that cultural leaders are economic growth drivers who should acknowledge Lango’s strong cultural heritage and clan system as critical enablers of economic progress.
The guide also encourages cultural leaders to mobilize their communities to invest collectively in agriculture, agribusiness, and small businesses. “If we work together and use our land wisely, we can create wealth, jobs, and better lives for our people,” said Dr. Ongom.
Similarly, Ms. Akello emphasized the importance of cultural leaders in fostering unity and economic empowerment, stating that their influence can have a significant impact on the region’s sustainable development.
Cultural leaders are encouraged in the guide to organize clans into investment groups to generate wealth, as well as to advocate for modern farming techniques such as irrigation and improved seeds.
Additionally, cultural leaders are urged to encourage digital banking and technology for financial inclusion, support women and youth in business through microloans and training, and, last but not least, guarantee accountability and transparency in resource management.
Dr. Ongom and Ms. Akello highlighted Lango’s five economic transformation pillars. On agriculture and agribusiness, leaders are asked to encourage cooperatives, farmer training, and agro-processing industries to enhance product value.
Financial inclusion by promoting Village Savings and Loan Associations (VSLAs), SACCOs, and digital banking to increase financial security.
Three, to embrace and support entrepreneurship and job creation by equipping youth and women with business skills and fostering clan-led enterprises.
Digital innovation by expanding access to market prices, mobile banking, and e-commerce through digital platforms.
Another pillar to spur development is leadership and governance through strengthening accountability, conflict resolution, and partnerships with development agencies.
Transforming clans into investment hubs
A step-by-step strategy is outlined to enable clans to evolve into sustainable investment groups.
This, the pair urged that cultural leaders have to form clan investment groups in which members contribute monthly savings under transparent leadership.
Identify business opportunities by prioritizing ventures like cooperatives, milling plants, transport services, and retail businesses.
Cultural leaders are urged to encourage the formalizing of businesses as SACCOs or Community Investment Groups to pull money together and also work together to access external funding.
Scale up by reinvesting profits to expand business operations and create jobs.
Dr. Ongom and Ms. Akello both emphasize the importance of cultural leaders taking the lead in forming clan-based savings and investment groups, as well as collaborating with government agencies, non-governmental organizations, and the private sector.
“Lango has the potential to rise from poverty to prosperity. Through unity, innovation, and investment, we can transform our communities and build a wealthy, self-sustaining society,” Dr. Ongom stated.
Ms. Akello reaffirmed the commitment of the Lango Cultural Institution to support initiatives that uplift the region’s economic status and improve livelihoods.
They believe that with dedicated leadership and community involvement, Lango can transform into an economic powerhouse.
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