Writing Worth Reading
Writing Worth Reading
"Every society that has prospered has done it through trade and not aid," says Andrew Rugasira, founder of Ugandan company "Good African Coffee". After a long struggle, his coffee is now on British and American shelves (h/t @rszbt)
Conversation with economist Paul Collier, discussing Africa, fair trade, Arab Spring. "Africa has been very slow in liberalizing internally. Very often the barriers of trade within Africa are bigger than those facing outsiders"
Problem of oil economies can be that only incentive is to compete for privileged access to commodity rents. Often leads to authoritarian government. In extreme cases, civil war. But there are alternatives. Here are a few ideas
Makes sense to grow perishable products as close as possible to consumers. Nairobi's urban farmers are doing just that. So are millions of others around the world. As much as 20% of our food is now grown in cities
![greed [aka cost/benefit] by the|G|™](http://farm5.staticflickr.com/4134/4813413572_c9db428131_s.jpg "greed [aka cost/benefit] by the|G|™")
Former derivatives trader, now successful VC, with sharp analysis of banking crisis and need for reform. "Greed and the politics largely got us into this mess, the silent majority will hopefully wake up and get us out of it"
It's better to steal 10 per cent of a booming economy than 100 per cent of a stagnating one. But is it wise to explain the best practices of banditry to government officials who aren't supposed to be stealing in the first place?
As Europe wrestles with debt crises, austerity budgets, rising unemployment and social turmoil, sub-Saharan Africa enjoys economic growth, capital inflows. "Even Lagos has never witnessed looting on the scale of London"
Angola's economy booms, thanks to oil revenues and Chinese investment. Angolans don't much like Chinese, and vice versa, but business is business. Country still a mess after 30 years of civil war, but the Chinese can hack it
Wal-Mart a tough company that does its homework, knows its markets, can operate anywhere. If it's moving into Africa, this is a tipping-point for foreign investment there, despite low incomes and political risk
Mainly-graphic note showing where China's outward direct investment is going. Largest regional recipient: sub-Saharan Africa. Greece also much favoured
Academic paper rebuts conventional wisdom on Africa, says poverty has been falling rapidly across continent, inequality decreasing, thanks to growth spurt beginning in 1995 (PDF)
President Paul Kagame drives economic recovery, using his access as head of state to win over influential allies in Western business world
