The much anticipated 2010 is here at last! This year is an important year for Africa, as over 13 countries will be marking 50 years of independence. It appears that the African Union may lead the process with continental level celebrations. But one question remains constant on many minds, "what's there to celebrate?"
Perhaps the answer to this question should be left to further research. However, as a proactive step to bring some of Africa's development challenges to the fore and find meaningful solutions to them, the International Forum on African Development (IFAD), of which I am presently convener, will organise a conference during the year to discuss African solutions to Africa's problems. Having tried many development models since the 1960s following the implementation of the Marshall plan, perhaps it is time to evolve African solutions to the continent's problems. This should have been done even much earlier. While the development literature is awash with arguments from Latin America on economic growth and development models, there is very little from within Africa itself.
On economic growth and development, there is evidence that the role of the state cannot be diminished. The state while promoting private enterprise must remain in the driver's seat providing incentives for growth and helping to address market failures where they occur (America's response to the recent financial crisis is a crucial example). On democracy and development, recent research have been inconclusive in establishing the linkages between these two. The evidence however shows that development had occurred in spite of democracy, and not as a result of it (Moyo, 2009). The much celebrated Asian economic miracle is a classical example of the non-linkage between democracy and development. Perhaps as a late late developer, Africa as a continent needs to evolve a model of governance that truly works for the continent, while taking strongly into account the principles and practices of democracy (notably citizens participation, the rule of law, and clear separation of powers) and respect for human rights. In my recent book "Service my country" to be released in March 2010, I have proposed a hybrid system between traditional and existing democratic models to be called "Africracy." This subject is crucial to Africa's development owing to the relationship between governance structures, economic growth and development.
2010 is an important year for Africa, and perhaps a defining year for the continent's development. Here is to hope that everyone will join their voices to make the year as rewarding, for the benefit of present and future generations!
Posted at: 11:20 PM | Add Comment
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