TUM + Aalto SGT summer course brings participants closer to the complexities of governing West African countries through interactive simulation

Summer course participant: "If you want to have fun, embrace the spirit of competition, and gain firsthand insight into what it is like to lead a country and understand how it functions, this simulation is for you!"

The simulation is developed and led by Tobias Bendzko from the Technical University of Munich's Land Management department. Reflecting on this year's course, Tobias emphasized how each group approaches the challenges differently, making every simulation unique. Although this year's course welcomed a smaller group of participants, the format created an especially engaging learning environment. The group size enabled deeper discussions, more opportunities for everyone to contribute, and closer collaboration throughout the simulation.

The course centered on an economic land-use simulation of five West African countries: Liberia, Ivory Coast, Ghana, Togo, and Benin. The simulation allowed the participants to see themselves in the roles of presidents and ministers responsible for land, finance, transport, and diplomacy. Starting in 1980, they guided their countries through various simulation rounds, making strategic decisions while responding to political, economic, and environmental changes.

Throughout the simulation, participants tackled challenges related to agricultural production, infrastructure development, taxation, employment, and international cooperation, balancing economic growth, environmental sustainability, and citizens' well-being while embracing both the spirit of competition and the complexities of governance.

Summer course participant: "The most inspiring part of the simulation was the recognition of country governance complexity. In the room, we were participants in a simulation aiming to have countries with developed sustainability, happy people, or a better economy, but it turned out quite challenging to balance all these priorities without compromising on at least one of them."

The experience also encouraged participants to reflect beyond the simulation itself. Several noted that the lessons learned were applicable far beyond West Africa, prompting discussions about democracy, governance, infrastructure, and sustainable development in different national contexts. One participant commented that the course strengthened their belief in the need for more long-term political thinking, while another highlighted how it revealed the importance of issues such as water management and transportation systems for a country's development.