Notes to President Obama
In the latest in the BBC's series "Notes to Obama", Anna Moyo, a Zimbabwean human rights lawyer working in South Africa, offers her advice to the president-elect. She urges Obama to put Africa on the international agenda, and to encourage good governance, democracy and respect for human rights.
This is clearly a primary issue in many countries, not least in Anna's home country, where I used to be a teacher. But across the diversity that is the African continent, there are many more countries that are far from the stereotype. Policies of good governance and economic reform have driven impressive growth rates and reductions in the level of poverty.
For me, a more general policy priority would be to unleash the entrepreneurial potential that is bubbling across the continent. The energy of private entrepreneurs - whether small businesses, small scale farmers or larger companies - is what made America what it is today, and is what offers Africa and its people the best path to a prosperous future.
What would your advice be to President-Elect?
Views: 11
Replies to This Discussion
-
Permalink Reply by Amanda Holder on -
Since Obama has been in office, he has extended sanctions on Zimbabwe and has continuously voiced disapproval with Robert Mugabe's administration, these are the much needed first steps to combating democracy issues in Africa.
Obama should continue to enforce good governance and economic reform policies because many of these countries need continual aid, advice, (and sadly enough) supervision. I think that the continent definitely does have a lot of potential that we haven't tapped into or even acknowledged yet. However, before we can empower African entrepreneurs and growing businesses we must relatively end political corruption and stabilize democracy because business corruption will inevitably remain and/or be enforced otherwise. Hopefully Obama's administration will find a way to address this ongoing and open-ended problem because I think that with assistance, Africa will become prosperous.
Welcome to
Business Fights Poverty
The leading online community for business and development, connecting over 10,000 professionals.
© 2012 Inspiris. Business Fights Poverty is the leading online community for business and development, connecting over 10,000 professionals.
