Andrew Rugasira writes in the FT:Has any nation ever developed by way of handouts? The British industrial revolution for example, was fuelled by home grown technological breakthroughs that defined Britain as a truly modern society.
Pro-aid campaigners argue that providing aid to accountable governments is a means of stimulating their economies. This is nonsense. Giving aid to poor countries and working exclusively through their government agencies makes accountability worse rather than better.
Africa's only viable and sustainable strategy for economic growth is one based on trade and not aid.
via PSD Blog
2 comments:
how about trade with aid...I find it hard to grasp the point of this debate sometimes.
I concur with Omodudu. How about aid with trade? I commented about this on Africa Ready for Business's blogspot.
" I believe strongly that Africa does need trade investments and entrepreneurs. Nonetheless, I believe while Africa cultivates the above, there is room for aid from the West, although I am not a fan of "aiding" Africa. I,however, think how the West aids Africa becomes an issue. Let me see if I can articulate it well. For example, it is documented in the States, at least, that Africans send billion[s] home each year to their families. Western Union can attest to that. But, what do these relatives in Africa use the billion[s] sent home to do? They use them for the essentials food, shelter, clothing e.t.c. But many times they use for non-essentials coming back for more money from their families in the West. What about if Africans at home used these monies for investments and entrepreneurship; and what if Africans in the West start demanding accountability for monies spent and insisting on having their families do trade investments or start small businesses. The families in Africa would have helped revive their own economic situation and not keep coming back for more.I extend this reasoning to the West giving AID to Africa. Don't keep giving Africans "fish" everytime they say they are hungry. Teach Africans how to catch their own "fish" and feed themselves when they are hungry.
Having said that, a question comes to mind. I can see the world, and especially Africa screaming should the West, let's say the USA, refuses to give aid to Africa. We would say, "to whom much is given much is expected" and so forth and so on. So doesn't it make sense that we encourage the West to keep giving aid but strike a balance, that balance being accountability for how those monies are used by our African leaders and government agencies? I'd be interested in your thoughts."
Post a Comment