Is this Africa's decade?

A far cry from the aid, fair trade and patronising paternalism that still informs NGO speak, the new decade is looking bright for Africa. Speakers in this must watch debate provide the real development picture and shun the West's myth ridden narrative of Africa as 'hapless child' or 'dark continent' in need of healing. This year, Angola beat China to the top with annual average GDP growth of 11.1%. In the next five years, African countries are predicted to outperform their Asian counterparts. Of course, it's easy to grow fast when you are small -- but nonetheless the lion is on the move, along with the elephant and the tiger. Growth not aid, we learn is transforming lives and its time to tell the real story. Filmed at the Battle of Ideas, the panellists are: Alice Ajeh, international relations manager, Nigeria, Shell International; Marieme Jamme, CEO, SpotOne Global Solutions; co-founder, Africa Gathering; Angus Kennedy, head of external relations, Institute of Ideas; Sam Mendelson, co-founder, Social Performance Advisory. Chaired by SOAS student Joel Cohen.

Category:

News & Politics

Tags:

• WORLDwrite
• WORLDbytes
• news
• online
• Africa
• World Cup
• South Africa
• poverty
• growth
• development
• oil
• Nigeria
• famine
• democracy
• change
• investment
• resources
• colonialism

[MaMsane]

Why is every body looking serious, n smile what so ever!

[Vivalasregus]

You just don’t hear this side of the story of Africa over here and it is so important to say it. The usual negative stereotyping from rock stars and NGOs is shown to be wrong and utterly disgusting not just in their portrayal of Africa but how they are pulling the ladder of real development away and glossing it over with respecting traditions or the planet. Instead it is the West that is falling behind, Angola with 11% growth, fantastic, I genuinely felt excited listening to this debate.

[Sarahk150]

This debate is a stormer - how refreshing to have a panel discussing what is really going on in Africa its growth and more - such an amazing change from the usual pity fest. Loved Angus Kennedy’s point re sustainable development as something you’d only want for a cancerous tumour- i.e. it will be limited, won’t grow and will be controlled. Totally agree too with Marieme Jamme on microfinance keeping women poor. Brilliant!