Value chain competitiveness analysis of key issues, constraints and opportunities

On 15 January 2018 Mr. Daniel Nyaungwa successfully defended his DBA thesis titled: “Value Chain Competitiveness Analysis of Key Issues, Constraints and Opportunities of Small-Scale Semi-Precious Stones (Gemstones) Mining Value Chain in the Erongo Region of Namibia”.

The purpose of the study was a value chain competitiveness analysis of key issues, constraints and opportunities of small scale semi-precious stone mining in the Erongo Region of Namibia. Africa and Namibia in particular, with an abundance of natural resources from minerals like uranium, precious metals like diamonds and semi-precious stones, have less meaningful economic growth, worse development with high levels of unemployment and extreme poverty. This is the ‘paradox of plenty’. Mr. Nyaungwa’s dissertation focused on finding solutions to such status quo.

This dissertation was not limited to this purpose but the results and recommendations can be generalized to apply to all minerals and even agriculture in the African context. Solutions to upgrading value chains were given including access to finance, access to lucrative markets, provision of new equipment and technologies. Across Africa policy makers can make use of the research findings and recommendations in order to mitigate the consequences of the ‘paradox of plenty’.

“This DBA degree means that I am able to apply high-level practical business knowledge to solve problems and seek solutions in my businesses, which includes latest business research, theories, and trends. I am now an authenticated expert in my field as a business leader. Those who want to acquire a tangible set of management and decision-making skills, I recommend and challenge to take part in the DBA offered by Maastricht School of Management (MSM)”.