Recent Articles From EvanCarmichael.com http://www.evancarmichael.com/ http://www.evancarmichael.com/African-Accounts/1663/Reinventing-Foreign-Aid-Help-Us-Help-Ourselves.html http://www.evancarmichael.com/African-Accounts/1663/Reinventing-Foreign-Aid-Help-Us-Help-Ourselves.html Participants discussed how to improve aid allocation, increase its efficiency and reduce wastage. The goal is to deploy aid better to enhance the prospects for sustainable development, said Robert Klitgaard, Professor of International Development and Security and Dean, The RAND Graduate School, USA. Joaquim Alberto Chissano, President of Mozambique, agreed that the key issue is efficiency. He noted that often while donors and recipients might agree on principles and delivery terms, full implementation of aid programmes are often not smooth or timely. Problems arise sometimes for such simple reasons as the difference between when the fiscal year begins in developing countries and developed ones. The aid community must look at ways to solve problems and improve efficiency so that non performing countries become performing ones. http://www.evancarmichael.com/African-Accounts/1663/What-s-Holding-Back-Africa-s-Growth.html http://www.evancarmichael.com/African-Accounts/1663/What-s-Holding-Back-Africa-s-Growth.html This plenary session discussed the contributing factors to Africa s poor economic growth, including the conclusions of the World Economic Forum s Africa Competitiveness Report 2004, and the actions that governments and business can take to promote economic growth. The discussion included calls from business participants and the panel for action against corruption on the continent. http://www.evancarmichael.com/African-Accounts/1663/Youth-and-Entrepreneurship-Part-2.html http://www.evancarmichael.com/African-Accounts/1663/Youth-and-Entrepreneurship-Part-2.html Participants in the second part of this interactive session explored some of the most dynamic political, economic and cultural forces that will either empower or suppress the region s ability to create 50 million new jobs in the next five years. The challenge is daunting, all agreed. But new opportunities open every day. http://www.evancarmichael.com/African-Accounts/1663/Youth-and-Entrepreneurship-Part-1.html http://www.evancarmichael.com/African-Accounts/1663/Youth-and-Entrepreneurship-Part-1.html Participants disagreed over the notion that "entrepreneurs are born, not made." They debated "if youth is a condition of age or mindset." They disputed whether "governments role is to create an enabling environment" for business, or "just get out of the way." But they all agreed these forces must work in concert in the Arab world, and fast. http://www.evancarmichael.com/African-Accounts/1663/Making-Africa-an-Even-Better-Place-to-Do-Business.html http://www.evancarmichael.com/African-Accounts/1663/Making-Africa-an-Even-Better-Place-to-Do-Business.html Refreshingly, little time was wasted by Facilitator William Kalema, Chairman, Uganda Investment Authority; Commissioner, Commission for Africa, in getting discussions under way. Participants, he said, understood the issues. http://www.evancarmichael.com/African-Accounts/1663/Business-Solutions-to-Hunger-in-Africa.html http://www.evancarmichael.com/African-Accounts/1663/Business-Solutions-to-Hunger-in-Africa.html The father of Bata Shoe Foundation's Chairman Thomas J. Bata once reportedly dispatched two emissaries to quietly investigate business growth potential in Africa. Returning from the east coast one warned: "Don't bother, it's a complete waste of time here. I mean, people are going around barefoot.” The other landed on the west coast and enthused: "It's wonderful here. The opportunities are unlimited. Everyone is still barefoot!" http://www.evancarmichael.com/African-Accounts/1663/Champions-from-Africa-What-It-Takes-to-Be-a-Global-Leader.html http://www.evancarmichael.com/African-Accounts/1663/Champions-from-Africa-What-It-Takes-to-Be-a-Global-Leader.html "Aspiration is a driver of socio economic development", said Brian C Bruce, Chief Executive, Murray & Roberts Holdings, South Africa. South Africa has been and remains a critical link in the world, he said. This is exemplified by its leaders Jan Smuts who influenced the future shape of the world between the wars, Thabo Mbeki with his vision for Africa in the 21st century, both bringing different perspectives to the global dialogue. http://www.evancarmichael.com/African-Accounts/1663/Walking-the-Talk-Business-Challenges-for-the-NEPAD.html http://www.evancarmichael.com/African-Accounts/1663/Walking-the-Talk-Business-Challenges-for-the-NEPAD.html Business and government leaders in South Africa say the formation of the New Partnership for Africa's Development (NEPAD) has led to cooperation to implement programmes in the country and across Africa which embrace the spirit of the NEPAD. http://www.evancarmichael.com/African-Accounts/1663/Partnership-for-Africas-Regeneration.html http://www.evancarmichael.com/African-Accounts/1663/Partnership-for-Africas-Regeneration.html Changing international perceptions of Africa and getting all levels of society involved in the New Partnership for Africa's Development (NEPAD) were among the declared priorities at the final plenary session of the Africa Economic Summit 2003 in Durban. http://www.evancarmichael.com/African-Accounts/1663/ICT-for-Development.html http://www.evancarmichael.com/African-Accounts/1663/ICT-for-Development.html Two interlinking questions need asking, said Louis N. Diakit窠Chief Executive Officer, Afripa Telecom, Cd Ivoire and Global Leader for Tomorrow 2002, as he introduced the session. How is technology affecting development in Africa? and; How is African innovation affecting the way technology itself is used?