Aid to change

(cont'd, content from Dead Aid -- reminder: the aid addressed here is not emergency and charity aid)

Herself an African, Dambisa Moyo wonders why the Western powers keep funneling vast sums to African governments when, " . . donors, policymakers, governments, academicians, economists and development specialists know in their heart of hearts that aid doesn't work, hasn't worked, and won't work." (pg. 46)

There could be many reasons all working together.  Rich governments are able to exert some influence and control when they dispense cash like this.  Then there's the aggressive pressure of celebrities who scold the public and their governments for not giving enough. There's even an estimated 500,000 people worldwide who are connected in some way to cash transfers to Africa and who are working to perpetuate their livelihood.

But is dependency really best for Africa?  Of course not.

She asks the rhetorical question, are Africans genetically incompetent?  The answer is no.  Dr. Moyo would like to see the African continent wean itself from the destructive aid cycle toward creating wealth with methods that every developed nation has used, and which are available to African nations who can walk away from the drug-like appeal of aid.