Africa in the News 7/13/15

U.N. Peacekeepers in Juba, South Sudan. Photo Courtesy of UN Photo/ JC McIlwaine via Flickr.

Inclusive Governance and Leadership

South Sudan is Becoming a Failed State – Aljazeera

July 9, 2015

Four years after independence, the future of the newest African nation is bleaker than ever. There has been a grim calculation, made by the government and rebel forces, that they can win and beat their opponents into submission or death.

Learning from Lagos – The Economist

July 4, 2015

Nigeria's commercial capital is crowded, noisy, violent — and a model for the rest of the country. In particular, due to Lagos' State governor Bola Tinbu, the state has transformed since he took office in 1999. Though the city has faced issues when dealing with Nigeria's federal government, in the city of Lagos those elected to political office are pragmatic and competent rather than simply running for power.

Conflict Prevention and Peacebuilding

South Africa's Peacebuilding Process is Far from Complete – Institute for Strategic Studies

July 10, 2015

Peacebuilding is about more than just addressing the immediate causes of conflict. Recently, there has been a resurgence of xenophobic violence, which is reflective of the lengths South Africa still has to go. Is South Africa an inherently violent nation? With roots in the violence of apartheid, it's hard not to think so. Therefore, the government needs to acknowledge that the peacebuilding process is a long-term one, and definitely far from over.

Somalia to Present Case at UN Court in Maritime Spat with Kenya – Bloomberg

July 8, 2015

The Horn of Africa nation is trying to capitalize on its natural resources as it seeks to rebuild an economy decimated by almost 25 years of clan warfare and an Islamist militant insurgency. Somalia, whose mainland contains a large stretch of coastline, is filing a maritime dispute case with the ICJ against Kenya. The issues involving territorial disputes have strained the relationships between many countries; however, it is unclear whether the ICJ's ruling will truly solve the problem.

Trade, Investment, and Sustainable Development

Internet Access is Critical to Development – The Huffington Post

July 7, 2015

Connectivity is the foundation that makes voice and choice possible. Women are especially impacted, having disproportionately less access then their male counterparts. Global Fund for Women focuses on the importance of access for the lives of women, which in many cases, can dramatically increase a woman's access to information, ability to protect herself, or even to start a business.

Transforming Africa: Will agriculture, oil and gas, services, or manufacturing deliver the dream? – Mail & Guardian Africa

July 10, 2015

By 2050, almost a fifth of the global working age population will be in Africa. With this in mind, what trajectory will African economies take to utilize the surge in population? This article provides a comparison of the different industries and sectors for African economies, especially in comparison to how many "Asian tiger" countries succeeded in previous decades.

Search for Ever Cheaper Garment Factories Leads to Africa – The Wall Street Journal

July 12, 2015

Ethiopia not lists among Asian countries, which have dominated the garment market for the past few decades. As the cost of labor rises in many Asian countries, most notably China, and after a string of accidents related to industry standards, business are beginning to look to Africa. For many Africans, the hopeful message is that Africa is open for business.

Africa's Strategic Role in the Global Arena

Obama Should Stay Away from Ethiopia – Foreign Policy Magazine

July 8, 2015

The timing of Obama's visit to Addis Ababa sends a "worrying signal" that Washington's priorities towards the African continent contradict his rhetoric regarding human rights and the strengthening of Africa's democratic institutions. Ethiopia is hardly a model of democracy. The current political party has been in power for 25 years, winning all 547 seats. Yet, its current system is unsustainable. What then, does Obama hope to gain from this trip, and what should the US policy look like towards a country that according to many is hardly an example of democracy?

It's a steel: Chinese steel firms are playing the long game in Africa – The Economist

July 8, 2015

When it comes to doing business in Africa, Chinese firms are taking advantage of the cheap prices due to Ebola and the slump in the price of iron. For many, this is seen as a way to export the pollution producing plants that China is desperately trying to move outside its borders. These firms have a different relationship with African businesses and governments. Unlike their European counterparts, China does not have the same colonial ties to the continent.

The Africa Program seeks to develop weekly updates and information to underpin each of its four programmatic pillars.

1. Inclusive Governance and Leadership

2. Conflict Prevention and Peacebuilding

3. Trade, Investment, and Sustainable Development

4. Africa's Strategic Role in the Global Arena 

If you are interested in our program or any of these topics check our our blog Africa Up Close and our Homepage for more information and events.