A New Africa on Its Way - James Shikwati

James Shikwati, a Kenyan Economist and the Director of Inter Region Economic Network (owner and publisher of African Executive), was one of the speakers at the Ted Global conference in Arusha-Tanzania (June 4-7). Here is some excerpts of his take on the conference:

“George Ayittey, a Ghanian born Economist, refers to an emerging vibrant breed of young Africans as the “Cheetah generation.” They neither talk about colonialism nor read the G8 script, but simply want to take charge of Africa! In contrast, George laments about the “Hippo Generation” that is stuck in the mud, is oversize after draining the continent’s resources through corruption and believes in entitlement. The Hippo group will advance an argument as follows: “The White-man enslaved us, America and Europe developed on our resources, and they must give us aid.” This generation hangs around G8 summits quite often.

While the most powerful nations on earth were meeting in Heiligendamm Germany to discuss (among other issues) aid to Africa, over 50 “Cheetahs” were in Arusha at a TED event to showcase Africa’s new chapter. Bono, a famous proponent for aid to Africa, must have left this meeting with a resolve to reorganize his belief in aid as a panacea to Africa’s predicament. A number of Western participants confessed to me that they were witnessing an Africa they had never known…because the Western media deliberately ignores to highlight success stories in the continent.”

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