Another big problem in Africa is the small size of its countries' populations. Botswana, for example, with less than two million people, does not provide an economy of scale for industry, notes Burrows. SADC, which groups 14 countries, is now trying to transform itself from an import-substitution body that was aimed at reducing its members' dependence on the then apartheid South Africa into a regional trade bloc. It is therefore important to have conscious and pro-active state intervention through policies to create an enabling environment.'' Like Radebe, some African leaders are looking much more towards the Asian miracle rather that the United States, for examples of the economic path forward, although economists say some amount of caution is needed. One needs to find a blend of Asian growth but with African democracy and social justice.
Government is the single largest purchaser in the country.
We should start recognising that SMEs are the engine for growth and start doing something to create an environment for their perfomance,'' Moyo told IPS. ''If you look at Zimbabwe, the small business sector is very dynamic. Without it the impact of retrenchments and unemployment would be felt very strongly. But it's not recognised. For Moyo, ''space'' must be created for SMEs. Governments have not eased the entry into the market.