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.
Recommended link:
- Economist article: A road to somewhere: what do Africans need most – aid or infrastructure?
