Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala: How to help Africa? Do business there

[timchuks87]

Sounded too scripted.

The Point of the short story she told in the beginning was very thin. She had to explain herself further, even without an applaud.

But we, Nigeria, know the Story of the renegade Governor, How has it changed Nigeria?

Enough Talk. Lets begin to Act.

[jamilfizbaba]

whoever disliked this is a fool!!..straight up

[crudhousefull]

So well informed. I am in awe. Go Africa! Even though I'm from Asia I feel so bad that Africa continues to get raped by the west. I've seen quite a few good leaders from Africa on TED alone. You have no idea how good that makes me feel

[selenium7934]

Yes, She is talking from EXPERIENCE.... awesome delivery, direct presentation.... Madam wish you the BEST as you take up the FINANCE MINISTRY HEAD ASSIGNMENT again..... you will SUCCEED......

[gueritamar]

It is up to us Africans to bring abt the change we want to see in Africa. Intl Migrant Remitances are the 2nd largest aid around the wld. africans with the capacities need to start investing back in their local economies. We keep blaming on the instabilities in the regions but hey only us can do it. Maya angelou once said, "when there is an issue, change it, if u cannot then change yr attitude. I started off by helping a local school + soon few friends joined + we r doing other small changes

[politicalthinker]

'There is Africa you don't here much about'. How does the corporate media survive if not portraying Africa in the bad light in order to boost their rating

[benibargera]

It's very interesting that Ngozi, who once worked for the government (Finance Minister), says that the best way to reform the economy is to privatize businesses. She faces the fact that the government is just not as capable of developing the economy as much as a free market system is. It's amazing how the liberalization of the telecommunication market led from 4500 landlines to 32'000'000 GSM lines. Perfect example of how a free market system is so much more efficient than command-system.

[igurube]

I like Ngozi, but I stand with chinnyization. Talk is cheap. Before a society talks of growth or properity, certain factors have to be on ground. Security, electricity/energy, water supply, roads/transport. Etc. Nigeria has none. Who wants to invest where he'll be kidnapped? Or set up a headquaters where there's no road, or energy supply?

The govt ain't serious. The people just suffer.

[tamaduni]

AFRICA MUST UNITE

[nubreed2000]

I would do business with her any time.

[LabeerehnGbanna]

Man, I like this woman! She points out exactly what the problems are, and proposes solutions. So brilliant!

[solonly02]

wow!!! marvellous discussion...

[solonly02]

wow!!! marvellous discourtion...

[justwanna007]

Well Said!!

[Arxces]

China is really taking this advice to heart. Even now the Chinese government is investing heavily in the African oil and minerals sector, using their expertise to help African countries upgrade their infrastructure (roads, electricity, pipelines etc.), and providing cheap capital for African countries to exploit and grow, thereby making many friends and allies in the process. China is helping them grow, gaining strong geopolitical influence and privileged access to growing markets.

[TheInvaderBN]

Sorry Mrs Ngozi, you're well educated, but Nigeria is a s***hole. The corruption is deeper than a black hole. Maybe, just maybe, if Nigeria started with something as little as (um... i don't know) STABLE ELECTRICITY???

I don't know how a nation is meant to develop, let alone tackle corruption if the electricity is constantly being switched off on random daily basis. Start with a stable power supply and then i'll take you seriously.

[XxXxINSIGHTxXxX]

The Africa of put the white man out and let the chinese in and embrace the muslim and now they want some chinese out and the muslims are slaughtering the black africans and as always the rich forget the poor that is world wide

[chinnyization]

FOR PEOPLE WHO CRY OUT GO OUT AND DO SOMETHING,DON'T FORGET PEOPLE DO NOT START THEIR LIVES WITH STONES IN THEIR POCKETS!THEY NEED MONEY!,JOBS!,SCHOLARSHIPS!So when you IGNORANTLY SCREAM GET UP AND DO SOMETHING REMEMBER PEOPLE ACCOMPLISH THINGS WITH FINANCIAL SUPPORT AND THAT IS THE RESPONSIBILITY OF AN ELECTED GOVERNMENT,TO SUPPORT THEIR PEOPLE FINANCIALLY.NOT TELLING US TO MAGICALLY GO AND DO SOMETHING ABOUT OUR SITUATION.SHAMELESS GOVERNMENT.EUROPE SUPPORT THEIR CITIZENS AND THEY GROW!!!!

[Bladen12345]

Talking about it on YouTube solves nothing.

Clearly, you don't really care, that's why you're not willing to get money, job, scholarships etc to further support the financial "fight".

Instead you use the keyboard as weapon to promote your views where no one's gonna give a damn about what you have to say.

[chinnyization]

I use the key board so that NARROW MINDED PEOPLE like you will understand the efforts people like me have made.We are refused support because we haven't got enough connection.SHAME ON YOU For saying I use the Keyboard,and If you are in the Government I don't really care which African, European or Western,You should really START USING YOUR PROUD BRAIN TO UNDERSTAND THAT ALL THE COMPETITION IN EUROPE AND THE WESTERN WORLD WILL NOT JUST BE GIVEN TO IGNORANT HARDWORKERS.NIGERIANS NEED SUPPORT!period

[Bladen12345]

Your reasoning is fairly weak. Ngozi explained it well and I think a lot of people understand, because I sure did.

What you need to come to terms with is that your views hold extremely little significance here.

[chinnyization]

My reasoning may hold very little significance on HERE,but at least people like you are reading it.Whatever you may think might be better, doesn't change the fact the TALK IS CHEAP!!! I LOVE NGOZI FOR WHAT SHE STANDS FOR,BUT IF SHE REALLY IS DIFFERENT FROM ALL THE OTHER CROOKS THERE HAS TO BE SOME OBVIOUS RESULTS FOR WHAT SHE STANDS FOR!WE DON'T NEED ANY MORE TALKS,and I don't need anymore talks with you,SINCE YOU SEEM NOT TO REALIZE THAT ANY TALK WITH NO RESULT IS OBVIOUSLY CHEAP.GOODLUCK & BYE

[Bladen12345]

You're an idiot.

Shut up and get out.

[chinnyization]

You have just proven my point.Two sentences to show that you have nothing more useful to say and I suppose this discussion ended when I said BYE Earlier.Wishing you Goodluck and hope you somehow get out of your IGNORANCE,DENIAL,ARROGANCE,AND SELF HATE.I STAND BY MY OPINION,NIGERIAN GOVT.OUGHT TO DO MORE!!! IF THAT ANNOYS YOU WELL GET OVER IT AND STOP PRETENDING THAT THEY ARE DOING ENOUGH.I STRONGLY SUGGEST YOU FIND A LIBRARY AND EDUCATE YOURSELF A LITTLE MORE.SINCE BUYING BOOKS MAYBE EXPENSIVE.

[MoolahMogul1]

chinnyization, you have brashfully expressed your thoughts (and I dare say without proper reason). I agree with Bladen12345 that your argument is very weak. You obviously have misunderstood Ngozi; she is making a point on the power of foreign direct investment. I am sure that she pointed out that african governments have their failings, but her aim is to illustrate the wisdom of higher FDI as a better means of aiding africa as opposed to 'Charity Aid'.

[NkrumahsFootsteps]

I have to commend this wonderful lady for bringing up the role of the swiss/western bankers. They never seem to be included in the debate of "african corruption.

These crooks (african leaders) are hiding their stolen loot with the other crooks (Western bankers). Thank you Ms Ngozi- Iweala.

[akinbambo]

Excellent Video.

[chinnyization]

NIGERIAN GOVERNMENT PLEASE TRY AND RESPECT YOUR CITIZENS AND STOP MAKING US GO THROUGH SHAME GENERATIONS AFTER GENERATIONS.The NIGERIAN PEOPLE HAVE SUFFERED ENOUGH FROM YOUR REALLY STUPID ETRAVAGANCES.PROVIDE FOR THE PEOPLE!PROVIDE FOR THE PEOPLE!NIGERIAN GOVERNMENT TAKE CARE OF YOUR PEOPLE.GIVE US A LIFE WE DESERVE!!!TAKE AWAY SHAME FROM OUR FACES AT HOME AND ABROAD.BUILD FACTORIES AND PROVIDE EMPLOYMENT.FIX OUR ELECTRICITY PROBLEM,A GREAT NATION IN DARKNESS!NIGERIAN PEOPLE ARE ALREADY ASHAMED

[Bladen12345]

Caps locking your views will do nothing.

If you're truly concerned, go out there and try to make a difference.

Otherwise... shut up.

[chinnyization]

FOR PEOPLE WHO JUST SAY GET UP AND DO SOMETHING,DON'T FORGET THE PEOPLE NEED FINANCIAL SUPPORT,RELIABLE JOBS,ELECTRICITY,SCHOLARSHIPS!­RESPONSIBLE GOVERNANCE,GOOD EDUCATION e.t.c,SO NEXT TIME YOU JUST OPEN YOUR WIDE MOUTH AND SAY GO OUT AND MAKE A DIFFERENCE KNOW THAT MANY PEOPLE HAVE ALREADY GONE OUT TO MAKE A DIFFERENCE BUT ITS USELESS ,NIGERIAN CITIZENS NEED FINANCIAL SUPPORT FROM THE GOVERNMENT TO START A LIFE NOT STONES IN THEIR POCKETS LOOK AT EUROPE THEY TAKE CARE OF THEIR OWN.USE UR BRAIN

[achachris]

Very great woman. We need more of you. great speech. Nigeria for life.

[turquoiseluvr1]

those transgressions. this is 2009 -- lets be civil and respect those who make the world such a beautiful, dynamic, and diverse place.

[turquoiseluvr1]

i cant believe how shallow minded many of the people commenting on this video are. here we have an intelligent and powerful nigerian women enlightening foreigners about the economic beauty and potential for prosperity that is africa, and all you guys can do is bring up racist ignorant remarks? can you open your eyes and ears for just a moment? it is a shame the legacy that slavery and european colonialism has today, and im a particularly embarrassed as a human being that we cannot move beyond

[johnorafa]

Common sense isnt a common thing and that is why ignorance still thrives especially with people that know nothing about us.Its encouraging to know even though the world is not ready to see it, that the Nigerian people have taken the destiny we share into our hands and are making a head way.Those who hear us sing and hear nusery rhymes miss our songs of survival, those that see the lines in our hands as lines drawn by our idle forefathers miss the beauty in our palmistry.We're one,and are rising

[Cannibalzz]

I got an email from this woman telling me she was going to transfer a million dollars into my checking account if I gave her my account number

[mikeemeka1111]

Mr Cannibal, You must be one of the most stupid animals if you thought that email was actually from her.

[sisyphusorianus9787]

How can we be sure that Nigerian business partners (contractors even) won't swindle the fledgling Nigerian consumer industries (or gov't)? Circumstances have changed since Africa first dealt with the occidental world, but the dangers of exploitation still reside.

[Biafrans7]

Cozmiken, You talk of 200-year old grudge. European Racism is a legacy of trans-atlantic slavery. Your fears are due to the abysmal depth of wickedness in a criminal ancestry which you are confronted with, but Africans as much as we know cannot and should not uphold that enormity of wickedness in any way shape or form. Again nothing excuses Africans from theft but the Europeans who are scammed due to their greed you have not condemned. That is why so far you lost this case. Eurocentric elitism.

[youvebeenthunderstru]

...wow. MotherFUCK you, jackass, the "niggers must die" fucking idiot. Sorry, but that's such a ridiculous comment and it was deserving of its -10... probably deserves more.

[elonnaclive]

Okonko-Iweala for President!

[okwunugbo]

So when you talk about internet scams as much as it is not good i would emphasize that it is only the greedy idiots from west that think that black people or all Africans are fools that's why they fall prey to these scams with the untimate goals to scam the scammer and when they the westerner are scammed they start making noise. My question to you is, at the time you are responding to those scam letters what exactly do you intend to acheicve in responding to those letters. you know the truth.

[cozmikzen]

they play on your emotions. you are obviously sticking up for them just because you are obviously an african. but its not the american people who are doing this to africa, its the government. the people have no control. and for african citizens to rob american citizens because of government problems, does not justify theft. and if u think it does, you have no morals or concept of right and wrong.

[agbadu]

Okwunugbo is not sticking up for anybody, he's simply stating fact. One could just as stupidly say that you're for those getting scammed because you're white. And, your lame excuse of the American people not robbing Africa is a cop out because the gov't of the U.S. is of, by, and for the people. So, while the citizens of the U.S. aren't DIRECTLY responsible, they ARE complicit and that's just as bad. I'm sure you'll argue that I'm saying this just because I'm African.

[garvess]

"except a few smart people" then everyone laughs as if to say "yeah thats us".

[nayak33]

this is brillant madam ngozi!! well articulated. it is important that the hegemonic discourse which perpetuates western media reportage and stereotypes the 54 countries as one basket case is removed.

[cozmikzen]

i am all about helping africa. increasing businessis a good idea. there are a couple big problems tho. there is an underground internet war of african computer scammers. they have made computer scaman art form. more moneythan you knowisgoing fromamerica to africa because of fraudulant african scammers. theyare organized andwork together. nigeria and ghana especially.

[maceike]

The media loves to talk about the internet scamming that occurs there, but never seems to report about the corporate scamming being done by foreign companies in Africa. Internet scamming is a petty crime when you compare it to the other crimes committed against Africa. Besides, most of the scam money is used in the American and European markets.

[cozmikzen]

oh i totally agree, and do not stand in support of govts of any sorts, especially bad ones. but, govts are not the people of the country, and for those people to rob from other people. especially people who they want help from, its fucked up. and it doesnt excuse thefy or bad behavior and non-morality. and who ever negative thumbed me, that just shows your closed minded bias for your cause, instead of the truth itself.

[okwunugbo]

So cozmiken tell me why a westerner would want to overthrow a sitting president of an African Nation let alone be the first son of a former British Prime Minister if not on selfish interest. You can imagine an African planning or colluding to overthrow a sitting president in any western nation as a black man.

[tamaduni]

@maceike CHEVRON IS STEALING OIL FROM THE SUDAN AND THE POOR PEOPLE PAY WITH THEIR LIFE

[okwunugbo]

Cozmikzen, it's not about helping Africa it's about paying back what you stole from Africa to develop your country & continue to develop your country. Thats why d #1 bank in d U.S that collaborate but facilitate stolen money from Africa especially Nigeria is Bankers Trust Bank in New York. Please go in there and ask the official's how much stolen money do they have. United Kingdom is also a heaven for stolen funds from Nigeria another rogue state that facilitate these laundering is switzerland

[cozmikzen]

um..i didnt steal anything from africans, they stole from me. i guess if you think stealing from me is ok, because other americans steal from you, then i guess its ok for me to want USA to nuke your stupid ass, yes?

you obviously cannot communicate beyond your own desires, piss off, stupid.

[Biafrans7]

Cozmiken and friends, the greatest theft in human history was wrought by Europeans and Americans - 12 million Africans in trans-atlantic slavery. This was no trade since there are no known significant profits made by Africans. The effects of the profits are seen and are evident in the West. Africans developed the West with their sweat and intellect. You spew rubbish. I guess USA to you means "Euro"-america. Your ancestors did not contribute more than Africans in building America. We do not hate.

[cozmikzen]

you say you do not hate, yet you have a 200 year old grudge? be for real. africans sold slaves to the whites, so dont act so high and mighty, it shows your ignorance.

in any case, it does not excuse africans from theft. if you truly believe that, you have no morals, and i do not value your opinion anyway.

you turn a blind eye to evil? you are then also evil.

[Biafrans7]

Cozmikzen, Europeans sold Europeans to Arabs and themselves too in the era of empires as Greece, Rome, Byzantine and so on. Many things happened in a space of 447 years (1441 - 1888) and African culprits were involved including African descendants of European Kidnappers (erroneously tagged "explorers," "traveler," "expeditioners" etc). African involvement from reliable accounts, was much less than Europeans' kidnapping through conquest and wars which was more than 90 percent.

[cozmikzen]

all of those people died hundreds of years ago. and it still does not justify stealing. i mean really? do you think you have any morals? because what you are telling me is completely irrelevant. there is no justifucation for immorality. you are protecting thieves with some long ago thing. i am american, should i hate england for taxing thesame people you are talking about?

pretty stupid, huh?

[Biafrans7]

Cozmikzen, the truth you do not wanna hear is "some long ago thing." Your nepotistic snide remarks enforce a conviction in me that your stereotype of Africans suffers shock when in contact with certain realities. Its cowards that put a label of contumely on an oppressed people because they are vulnerable. "no justification for immorality?" For European or African immorality? Immorality is universal as morality. Two people attempt to scam each other. The successful one is immoral. Reason?

[cozmikzen]

no. theyare both wrong, and both immoral.

however, there is nothing i did to any african, yet i get ripped off. just as, i am sure there were moral africans, unfairly stolen into slavery. the 2 scenrios are totally unrelated.

it also doesnt matter if the thief in in africa, usa or russia. their are also russian groups scamming in the same way africans are. it is financial terrorism, why do you protect it?

because there used to be slaves? how can i not be snide? its insane, sorry.

[Biafrans7]

Cozmikzen, I commend your condemnation of both because their intents are immoral. Yes, you may not have done anything to an African and we know that many Euro-americans did not. We take that into account. But you are an inadvertent partaker of the privileges, institutionalized racial inequities in American that was bequeathed as legacy through those centuries. I believe you are corrected for blaming one and exonerating the other. In the final analysis all human blood is one. We hate not. Chill.

[okwunugbo]

Until d west stop accepting stolen money to help plunder nations in Africa then you cannot claim what you are claiming.

[okwunugbo]

If i am in government in Africa & you are a top bank official in the west you see documents or information about stolen money on your table that i want to transfer to your bank totaling $8 million. Why should you honor that transaction if you really care about the source of my funds? The answer to that is that you are a facilitator & also a criminal.

[okwunugbo]

This is exactly what these western nations do & hide under the clove of providing aid to Africa were as you are helping to plunder the economy of a Nations by assisting rogue government official achieve this and also to y benefit you . In 2004 an ex British SAS mercenary now jailed for 34 years in Equatorial Guinea Mr Simon Mann led a group of mercenaries to overthrow the government of president Mbasogo of Equatorial Guinea. Some of the sponsors of this coup were top British official in fact

[cozmikzen]

stupid ass

[okwunugbo]

The top sponsor to this coup was the First son of the former British Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher(Sir Mark Thatcher. This crook with British knowledge facilitated this failed coup which it's ultimate goal was to install a puppet leader exiled in a country in Europe to help assist the looting of the oil rich nation of Equatorial Guinea this coup failed. Mark Thatcher was at that time living in South Africa he was taking to court and his mother Margaret thatcher bribed his way out.