The collective GDP of countries in sub-Saharan Africa has grown at an average of 5% per annum since 2000, and is expected to grow faster in the future. Will the recent political reforms give the region a chance to sustain this boom in the coming years?
Recently, Africa’s progressively improving economic statistics have fuelled a notion that the resource-rich continent is recovering from its woes and is headed towards development at a high pace. However, there are several reasons to believe otherwise.
The propensity of Africa’s leaders to seek medical treatment abroad illustrates the little faith they have in their own healthcare systems. Given how countless Africans don’t have the resources to follow their leaders’ steps, there should be increased political will to make affordable healthcare available at home.
Presently, billions of barrels of oil are exported from the Middle East each day. The global economy too is weak and teetering on the edge. In the wake of such hostile conditions, the world economy could be crippled if the Middle East becomes a warzone. How can an attack on Iran lead to an oil and gas shock?
Durable food security and agricultural growth depend on development strategies with resilience built in from the start. Similarly, Africa needs to be pragmatic in dealing with its resources and environment, which can lead to sustainable agricultural development.
Angela Merkel's one day visits to Kenya, Angola, and Nigeria show that Germany is not all that interested in Africa. In the meantime, countries less preoccupied with demanding human rights requirements on their investments are building strong ties with Africa.
India and Brazil’s increasing engagement in Africa is a clear sign that both countries are embracing their new roles as global diplomats. By joining forces to bolster Africa’s food security, they have the chance to break ground on a tangible agenda that could have a far-reaching impact on matters of global concern
As the world welcomes it’s newest yet probably its poorest nation, South Sudan, Gateway House’s Renu Modi analyzes India’s engagement with the Sudanese – from historical political linkages to investments that can boost relations.
The Terrorism Risk Index was developed to identify and monitor terrorism risks to employees and assets in 197 countries. Newly formed South Sudan joins Somalia, Pakistan, Iraq and Afghanistan at the top of the ranking. Currently, the top five sustain over 75% of the world's fatalities from terrorism.
South Sudan's independence places immense challenges in front of it's first government - including building an economy, repairing the wounds of war and establishing and maintaining relations with neighboring nations.
