The Rise of the ‘New’ Donors for Africa

Dakar — “It’s taken the world a while to notice they exist – and now we’re obsessed with them,” is how Karin Christiansen, head of Publish What You Fund, characterizes the west’s relationship with what people call “new”, “emerging” or “non-traditional” donors. Many are not new at all – India, Brazil and China have been… Continue reading The Rise of the ‘New’ Donors for Africa

Democracy or Prosperity, Which Comes First In Africa’s Bid for Prosperity

As Africa’s democracy gradually evolves, the arguments are whether Africa should concentrate on creating prosperity first and then grow its democracy later or build up its democracy first and then use it to develop its prosperity. This thinking has come about because of the on-going democratic revolutions occurring in Africa, in places such as Libya, Tunisia and Egypt, and multi-party democratic elections after elections have become recurring rituals.

The Power of Partnerships in Africa, by Kofi Annan

We are witnessing a historic change to the development paradigm. Drastic spending cuts in the United States, uncertainty around Europe’s common currency and the consequences of the earthquake in Japan are reordering international priorities and put further pressure on aid budgets. At the same time, development needs in Africa are multiplying as climate change and… Continue reading The Power of Partnerships in Africa, by Kofi Annan

Africa: ‘Continent of Hope’, Kofi Annan

The foreword to the Africa Progress Report 2011, by the former United Nations Secretary-General: The last year has been particularly eventful for the continent, and the world as a whole. A growing debt mountain in the United States, uncertainty around Europe’s common currency and the consequences of the earthquake in Japan are reordering the industrialized… Continue reading Africa: ‘Continent of Hope’, Kofi Annan

Africa Transforms to ‘Continent of Hope,’ Says Annan

Cape Town — Despite high-profile setbacks, Africa has in the past decade changed from being “the hopeless continent” to “the continent of hope”, former United Nations chief Kofi Annan says in a report issued Thursday. “Countries and companies are increasingly shifting their attention from Africa’s problems to its vast potential and abundant opportunities,” he says.… Continue reading Africa Transforms to ‘Continent of Hope,’ Says Annan

The Wal-Mart Question Finally Hits Africa: South Africa Should Ensure Robust Scrutiny of The Deal

The next two months remain crucial in the history of foreign direct investment in South Africa. Wal Mart, the US retail giant is negotiating its grand entrance to Africa’s growing markets and this deal is reported to be its biggest acquisition since 1999 when it bought Asda, the British supermarket. A few months back, the… Continue reading The Wal-Mart Question Finally Hits Africa: South Africa Should Ensure Robust Scrutiny of The Deal