Africa Archives - Page 3 of 8

Micro-businesses May Not Solve Africa’s Macro Problems

People leave Africa for a number of different reasons. Persecution, compulsory military service, war, and turmoil are the headline causes. However, just as important are the lack of opportunities for employment for young people and poor welfare conditions.

Unfortunately, an approach defined at the summit of EU and African leaders in Malta does not focus enough on tackling these root causes of the current rates of migration into Europe from Africa – it merely treats some of the symptoms.

Africa’s Dependence on China is Disconcerting

Africa’s prosperity increasingly depends on China. Given recent signs of a slowdown in the world’s largest economy, Africa’s short- and long-term outlooks seem precarious. The latest sign arrived on October 23 when China cut two benchmark interest rates to spur growth. It was the sixth time since November that China’s central bank has lowered rates and came after a report revealed that its economy grew at the slowest pace in six years.

‘Africapitalism’ as a Continent-wide Economic Solution

Africans have long engaged in capitalist economic transactions. However, the type of capitalism introduced by colonialists does not always align with the needs of Africans. It remains overly informed and driven by agendas set outside the continent.

Part Two: The US Evangelical Roots of African Homophobia

In part two of our analysis of rising homophobia in Africa we look at how the US right-wing evangelists have used their power base to spread propaganda against gays. Their powerful presence has influenced African archbishops, politicians and lawmakers.

The Hidden Cost of Homophobia in Africa

In a two-part article, we look first at the high economic costs of the severe homophobia in modern African states. Lowering the national GDP is a price few developing countries can afford. In part two, we will look at the astonishing influence of the US right-wing evangelical movement in entrenching homophobia in the African church and state.

Putting 10 Million Youths to Work Annually

Sub-Saharan Africa has two abundant resources: its youth and agricultural land. With the youngest population globally and the largest share of the world’s arable land, Africa stands to benefit greatly from getting and keeping the youth involved in agriculture.

Africa’s agricultural sector has the lowest productivity in the world. This contributes to food insecurity and malnutrition on the continent.

Can the Sustainable Development Goals be Realized in Africa?

Recently, world leaders gathered in New York to commit to the new sustainable development goals. For the first time, a specifically urban goal is among the 17 goals to reach by 2030.

Harnessing All Forms of Africa’s Capital

Over the past 20 years, Africa has been steadily growing and is expected remain one of the fast growing regions in the near future. Central to this is entrepreneurship and the role of entrepreneurs.

China’s African Investment Rules

China’s economic engagement in Africa tends to elicit controversy. Many Chinese deals are accompanied by Western headlines such as “China in Africa: Investment or Exploitation?” or “Clinton warns against ‘new colonialism’ in Africa.”

Yet in recent African public opinion polls, China scored higher in popularity among Africa populations than anywhere else in the world, according to Pew surveys.

Africa’s Population is Expected to Double by 2050, and They Will Need to Eat

The main drivers of demand for agricultural products are population growth, urbanisation, economic growth and changing diets.

Population growth brings greater demand, urbanisation leads to more people buying food rather than producing their own, economic growth increases purchasing power while changing diets implies that people are opting for diverse, and sometimes healthier, consumption.