Ahmed Mahamoud Silanyo PHOTO: AFP/Getty Images
“It is very difficult to say when it is going to happen, but we can say that we in Somaliland have always sought and struggled to get the independence and recognition we need. We know that’s not an easy thing to achieve immediately, but still it remains our main goal”
More . . .
PHOTO: Charlie Rabicano
An increasing number of businesses from the continent’s largest economy are seeking out new opportunities across Africa, but questions linger about whether policy makers in Pretoria are doing enough to encourage this trend
More . . .“In the early years, I think we did what a lot of corporate foundations and a lot of foundations in general do, which is fund lots of small projects with a lot of not-for-profit partners around the world,” says Chris West, who, after a career that spanned both the private sector and the development world, joined the Shell Foundation as director a decade ago. “Pretty quickly we realised that that achieved neither scale nor sustainability... I think in many ways that’s a historic reflection of how a lot of donors and NGOs and indeed corporates have behaved in the past, and it’s been driven by short term reputational benefit over real genuine systemic change.
More . . .- Beyond business
Perhaps accelerated by the financial crisis, a number of businesses operating in Africa are taking a greater interest in the social and economic impact of their operations, engaging in activities usually associated with development agencies
- A sleeping giant stirs
Out of all the Bric nations, Russian interest in Africa seems the least compelling and the most enigmatic, but the stirring of a new wave of interest in minerals, telecoms and energy suggests that the “R” in Bric may yet have some significance for the continent
- Could India’s microcredit crunch spread?
The microcredit industry in the Indian state of Andhra Pradesh is facing a crisis, which analysts say could have knock on effects for microfinance institutions worldwide
- Third among equals
The US has talked up the strategic role of its foreign assistance, but the operational realities within USAID suggest that development is still a junior partner in the “3D” approach
- Ending the neglect
Tackling neglected tropical diseases could help achieve several of the Millennium Development Goals, but greater awareness and a comprehensive funding strategy is needed
- Leapfrogging Technology
While many mobile operators are mulling strategies for rolling out third generation networks in Africa, some within the industry are asking whether LTE might offer a chance to leapfrog 3G entirely
- Charting a new course
The introduction of new shipping lines and increased container capacity serving Africa reflects the shift East in the continent’s trade relations and a gradual return to pre-crisis appetite
- Phuthuma Nhleko, President and Group Chief Executive of MTN
“I don’t think MTN has any stated aversions to merging with anyone. What we have said is that we want to expand and be a pre-eminent player, and that has various facets to it. Some of it will be organic growth, and some of it will be M&A related”
- Afro-pessimism is misplaced
Many Africans have seen their quality of life improve significantly over the past few decades despite poor economic progress, but there is no room for complacency
- Climate Change is already affecting Africa
The signs of climate change are clear to all across Africa. Severe droughts are occurring in East Africa, producing climate refugees and jeopardising crop production and water supply. Changing rainfall patterns have increased the risk of crop failure. Coastlines could begin to disappear in West Africa as ocean levels rise across the world. Vector-borne disease rates are climbing and the fight against Malaria could be forced backwards as climate change induced prevalence increases.
- Strengthening the rule of law
Access to decent security and justice services, such as the police and courts, is as important a development goal as clean water, healthcare and education. Indeed, robust legal systems, independent and transparent judiciaries and clear, comprehensible laws are crucial for creating the conditions in which wider development efforts can take root and flourish.
- Jean-Marie Guéhenno, Chairman, Centre for Humanitarian Dialogue
“The strength of HD is that it has no army behind it, it is just a foundation with no political power, and that absence of political power is the greatest strength, in many cases”
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Interviews
Olusegun Obasanjo
“The reason I am‘re-inventing’myself as an investor... is because I was on the other side when I was in government. During that time I tried to create a conducive environment for investment into Nigeria, knowing fully well that you cannot talk of development and growth without investment”
Andrew Mitchell
“Ninety percent of all jobs around the world are created by the private sector, not governments”
Siegfried Russwurm
“Africa has grown into a focus area and the best proof is that the whole board has convened in South Africa to get a first-hand impression”
Adji Otèth Ayassor
“Our plan has been to attract investors by improving our business climate, making it easier for commerce in the country”
Stephen Chan
“Many countries are going through the protocol of holding an election... but the actual conduct of elections is not legitimate in itself”
