MORE AID?

The United Nations recently requested for the largest amount of aid ever in the face of the spreading economic crisis, the secretary general's argument was that the developing world needs the money now more than ever. Ironically, the last decade has seen developing countries (especially in Africa) expand at rates not seen since the 1960s. Aid inflows were surpassed by repatriations as the biggest source of foreign cash inflows. Although the amounts of aid money today is greater than ever before, was this the cause of the recent African success stories? Is Aid truly the key?

THE NEW WORLD ORDER

A new party in charge of the US government will undoubtedly herald a new approach to US foreign policy. This change comes at a time when China has made major inroads into Africa in the commodities and infrastructure sectors. Russia has invested heavily in commodities and financial markets across the continent. India at Turkey have established treaties and detailed plans for investment and trade with Africa. Today, foreign direct investment from the US and Europe no longer constitute the bulk of inflows ot the continent. What type of relationship change between Africa and the West are needed? Can Africa benefit from increased competition for its resources?