Two years after pledging to double aid to Africa and opening new opportunities for African exports, donor nations are falling behind in fulfilling their promises. Africa can develop with the resources in its possession, so long as there is no external interference and there is fair trade and democracy. African leaders should realize that poverty in their countries needs to be addressed from within the country; no single country has ever developed by depending on aid from its former masters. Any aid that is provided should be done so with fewer strings attached. One of the reasons why Africa is not getting enough foreign direct investment, which they needs for its development, is the persistent negative reporting. When it comes to underdevelopment and poverty, western media exaggerate the issue. Poverty is portrayed in the western media and they make poverty an exclusive African problem. The popular images of Africa in the West include the Dark Continent characterized by primeval irrationality, tribal anarchy, civil war, political instability, flagrant corruption, incompetent leadership and managerial ineptitude, hunger, famine and starvation as well as rampant diseases, especially HIV/ AIDS. Undoubtedly, Africa needs to rise and take its pride of place in global affairs by putting its house in order.
The rich nations only know how to set beautiful goals such as making poverty history and eliminate child diseases but they do not know how to reach these wonderful goals. They also promised to forgive most of the debt which the poor African countries are suffering. In this year (2007) they announced their decision on a commitment of $60 billion for AIDS, TB and malaria money, this is cheap and empty promise. What Africa needs is trade and they should learn to trade with each other first. They should not be rushed to compete with the West. It’s still a newly independent continent and still developing. Africa does not need Angelina Jolie or Bono or western hand outs. What Africa needs is good policies, fair trade, and good governance.
The rich nations only know how to set beautiful goals such as making poverty history and eliminate child diseases but they do not know how to reach these wonderful goals. They also promised to forgive most of the debt which the poor African countries are suffering. In this year (2007) they announced their decision on a commitment of $60 billion for AIDS, TB and malaria money, this is cheap and empty promise. What Africa needs is trade and they should learn to trade with each other first. They should not be rushed to compete with the West. It’s still a newly independent continent and still developing. Africa does not need Angelina Jolie or Bono or western hand outs. What Africa needs is good policies, fair trade, and good governance.
1 comment:
Interesting to know.
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