Category: Policy Review
-
From Altruism to Strategy: Understanding Africa’s Rising Role in Geopolitics
The history of Western assistance or investment in Africa has been altruistic and born out of colonial guilt. For decades, Africa has been on the periphery of geopolitics. In other words, the continent was treated as a non-entity in the power play of global politics. That narrative, however, is changing. The overall structure and organization…
-
Democracy in Africa: Overcoming Election Violence Challenges
Hooliganism is gradually lifting its ugly head in African elections. Post- election violence in some regions of the continent does not augur well for Africa’s march towards democratic consolidation. Who would have thought that Kenya, regarded as a paragon and oasis of peace and political stability in an otherwise volatile region in East Africa, would…
-
The threat of failed states to Africa’s political and economic viability
When a government ceases to properly and effectively function, that country can become vulnerable to both outside interference and lawless internal forces. State failure means the dissolution of central political and economic institutions, and struggle among competing groups for authority or governance in regions of a given territory, for the exercise of the monopoly of…
-
The Principle of Political Equality in Environmental Justice
Environmental Justice is ensuring a quality of life for all regardless of race, ethnicity or social class, and leaving enough natural resources for future generations. Everyone should have a safe and healthy place to live, work, and play, irrespective of the country they live in. Environmental injustice occurs on a global scale. The Global South…
-
Africa’s Path to Economic Independence
After half a century of decolonization, Africa remains mostly dependent on its former colonial powers for economic sustenance and assistance. Political independence has yet to materialize into economic independence. Dr. Kwame Nkrumah famously once declared “Africa must unite or perish.” History has shown what he said many decades ago to be true. He believed that…
-
The Impact of Elite Rule on Africa’s Development
Many of Africa’s intractable political and economic shortcomings could be seen as the incapability of the people of ruling themselves. Some have posited that the colonial powers opted out of the continent prematurely. In this politically correct age, such views are seldom spoken openly by either foes or friends of Africa. Conversely, it would be…
-
Addressing Africa’s Brain Drain: Solutions and Challenges
The exodus of skilled professionals and researchers from the continent of Africa to Western countries for better paying jobs is becoming a major political and economic issue. A recent report released by the Pollution Research Group in South Africa shows that “brain drain” is costing the continent $4 billion annually. Brain drain has also nurtured…
-
Reforming the African Union: Steps Toward Relevance
The African Union was formed with the intended purpose of promoting peace, security and consolidating democracy on the continent. In other words, the purpose of the AU is to help secure Africa’s burgeoning democracy, human rights and a sustainable economy. It is an intergovernmental organization consisting of fifty-three African nations. The formation of the African…
-
Unveiling the Absurdity: The Reality of Foreign Assistance and Investment in Africa
Africa defies conventional thinking; abject lack amidst tremendous mineral riches and natural resources. Investing in and supporting Africa is a noble cause, but the campaign has become an arena of the absurd-the blind leading the clueless. The record of foreign direct investment or assistance to Africa is one of abysmal failure. People on the continent…
-
China’s Economic Partnership with Africa: Opportunities and Challenges
There is an ongoing battle in Africa for a share of the continent’s lucrative and enticing economic opportunities. Emerging economic powers such as Brazil, Russia, India and China are making their case for a share of Africa’s vast and rich natural resources. One of these emerging global powers is China, which has doubled its investment…
Global Politics Today 