Are We Ever to Say “NO” to Handouts?

If you have not read it already, then allow me to recap a bit of what has been going on Malawi. Madonna adopted some kids and funded some schools- no surprise there.  She is one of many celebrities that have taken the route. Recently, Madonna landed in Malawi with a demand for VIP status. President Banda was not so happy with the visit that she made a remark criticizing Madonna and her red carpet moment. Turns out that H.E Banda did not actually say what the media seems to be quoting left and right. However whether, Banda said it or not, someone in her administration is pissed off enough to make a public statement about the presence of Madonna in Malawi.

 But more to the point is the reaction of many Africans on what is perceived a wrong move for Malawi’s leadership to criticize a do-gooder who came in to help the “poor” children. First of, lets congratulate the leadership for criticizing instead of welcoming Madonna on a red carpet like some of their western counterparts do when it comes to celebrity worship. The truly sad thing is that Africans seem to be okay with handouts. The whole mentality of “atleast someone is doing something” and “ everyone needs help” is detrimental to Africa’s progress. Yes, someone is doing something- but is it the right “something”, and it might be that everyone needs help- but what kind of help, and who is helping? These are the questions that these kinds of incidences should be raising.

Africans, whether living abroad, or living in the continent have become too comfortable with the idea of Aid, handouts, and being constantly perceived as “poor”. We are WAY comfortable with this whole idea that we cannot progress without having do gooders in the continent building a school here, a well there, a hospital here…etc. The problem with this, is that well, it is patchwork. If you have a big hole on a piece of clothing, the proper way to deal with that is either take it to the tailor and make a whole different outfit, or buy a new piece of clothing. If you place a patch, even if it might be similar in color, it ends up becoming a temporary solution because this patch will not last- not to mention makes the clothing less appealing. So imagine if you had more than one hole on the piece of clothing? Patches don’t just work, nor even become a viable option for you.

The same applies to Africa. There are gaping holes in Africa. Problems with no easy solutions, nor should they be. However, we as Africans have developed a mentality where it is okay to put patches, finding temporary solutions to problems, but never truly understanding nor fixing the root of the problem. Sometimes, we put a pretty flower on top of the problem when celebrities come in and attempt to solve the problems, but at the end of the day, the flowers die, and problems still exist.

You see the mentality of always waiting for a handout breeds other problem. It could be said that this might be the source of some of the problems where we don’t respect each other enough to pay for the services that are rendered to us by our fellow Africans. We figured, if Madonna is coming to our homes and giving us free education, then our fellow Africans should do the same.

But enough of that. At the end of the day- we need to start pulling ourselves out of this stump that we have put ourselves in by thinking that it is okay to accept aid in all shapes and forms. IT IS NOT OKAY! If Tom, Dick and Harry want to work in Africa, let them INVEST in Africa. We are past Aid- and the way forward is investing in Africa and Africans. So yes, if Madonna wants to invest in education in Malawi, let her do so. Because building a school will not do the trick- the problem at the end of the day is not the lack of schools.

One day, Africans will decide that they don’t need the pity of Hollywood, Nollywood, Bollywood, or any wood celebrities. Because unlike any sustainable development gimmicks in Africa, aid, or pity has long-lasting psychological effects that cannot be wiped out by a good deed. It cripples development. We end up becoming dependent- thinking that we cannot or should not try to progress without someone coming in our savior .

At the end of the day Africa is ours to build or destroy- and so far, we are not sure if we want to do either- but lets not kid ourselves that Madonna and Oprah will do the job for us.

Former African Presidential Candidates Kah Walla and Papa Kwesi Nduom To Speak at NYU African Economic Forum

The acclaimed “divine intervention” for Cameroonian Politics Kah Walla and Ghana’s PPP leader and presidential hopeful Papa Kwesi Nduom are scheduled to speak on the People, Ideas, and Events Reshaping the African Continent at the annual African Economic Forum at  New York University on April 6, 2013

 At 45, Kah Walla is internationally recognized for her expertise in management, her understanding of development issues and her strong stance on Africa, its women and youths. She was recognized in 2008 by the World Bank as one of 7 women entrepreneurs in Africa.  Ms. Walla is also recognized as one of Cameroon’s political leaders and certainly one of the most remarkable leaders of her generation on the political scene.

Dr. Papa Kwesi Nduom is the President & CEO of Groupe Nduom; Former Minister for Energy, Economic Planning and Regional Cooperation, and Public Sector Reform for Ghana.  He helped establish the Deloitte & Touche, West Africa Consulting practice following a successful business career in the United States. He was a Presidential candidate for the 2008 and 2012 elections and is widely recognized for his unique combination of private and public sector experience and expertise.

Ms. Kah Walla and Dr. Papa Kwesi Nduom will be joined by a list of distinguished experts in business, policy, and social enterprise. Confirmed speakers include:

Jean-Louis Ekra – President and Chairman of the African Export-Import Bank

Pradeep H. Paunrana – Chief Executive Officer, ARM CEMENT Ltd., Kenya

Osamuyimen T. (Uyi) Stewart- Chief Scientist at IBM Research Lab – Africa

Eghosa Omoigui – Founder and Managing General Partner of EchoVC Partners

M. Papa Madiaw Ndiaye – Founder and CEO of Advanced Finance and Investment Group.

Chid Liberty- Co-Founder and CEO, Liberty & Justice

Magatte Diop, President and Managing Director, Peacock Investments

…and many more at http://nyuafricaforum.com

About the NYU 2013 African Economic Forum

NYU Stern African Business Club, in partnership with NYU Africa House and The Council of Young African Leaders will host their annual African Economic Forum.  Themed “Africa in Motion: People, Ideas, and Events Reshaping the African Continent”, the forum will provide an opportunity for active practitioners in the areas of business, policy, and social enterprise to interact with forum attendees to exchange ideas, and insights on the current state of Africa’s economic landscape.

The realization of Africa’s potential as an economic frontier is currently taking place. This forum will bring to life the people, ideas, and initiatives behind this effort. Much has been made about the continent’s potential for economic, political, and social development. The time has come to share the stories of those working to make these aspirations a reality in hopes of inspiring a new generation of leaders to take part in this great cause.

The forum will feature a Keynote Series, Leadership Fireside Chat, and concurrent panels on Technology, Social Enterprise, Finance, and Development.

The 2013 forum is being sponsored by the Arik Air, Financial Times, ARM Cement, African Export-Import Bank, NYU Africa House, and Royalty Lifestyle; with Applause Africa, Africa.com, Face2Face Africa, RockMeAfrica , Afrique Expansion, Enovative TV and MUI PR as media sponsors.  The forum is being supported by community partners such as the US-Africa Synergy, The Global Connection for Women and UNA-YP African Affairs Committee.

Registration Required: http://nyuafricaforum.eventbrite.com/

Courting Democracy and Justice in Africa

On an early Monday Morning in March 2013, Bosco Ntaganda, a Congolese rebel general accused of massacring civilians and building an army of child soldiers, walked into the American Embassy in Rwanda and turned himself in.  Theory has it that Ntaganda, one of the world’s most wanted man, was more afraid of the Rwandese than he was of the Hague.- That in itself is a telling sign of what the International Criminal Court-where Ntaganda will face charges- means to Africa.

In such fashion- it is worth exploring and revisiting the dialogue on the International Criminal Court.

Transparency and accountability of crimes must be the basis of political reform and democratic governance; for tyranny begins where the rule of law ends. This is why progressive justice has to take a central part in the political dialogue on African democratic process.  Recently, the International Criminal Court (ICC) has been a source of great debate in Africa. The general consensus is that the ICC has been purposely targeting Africa. While proponents of this argument have some valid points, the International Criminal Court has an important role in making the connection between justice, political reform and democracy in Africa.   The ICC can be the tool that demonstrates that no government sector is above the law. Therefore, the prosecution of state crimes committed against citizens can serve to foster a respect and a development for democratic governments.

History has taught us that Africa needs organic self-centered democracies (Adam 1993). The struggle for democratic governance has been slow and hard in the continent. Presently, the continued conflicts in many African nations serve to endanger the continued struggle for democratization.  Historically, African democracy has been left in the hands of leaders who embody prebendalism, and patrimonial systems that are predatory, kleptocratic and autocratic in nature (Ekeh, 1975). As of yet, there has not been a correlation between autocratic and dictatorship rule and development (Anyang’Nyong’o, 2000, Ungar 1978, Martin, 1993). If there is one lesson to be learned from these past fifty years, it is that the democratic process has to involve the participation of the peoples of Africa. Therefore, for true democratization of the African states to occur, the people and their governments have to be in constant communication. (Harris, 2005, Adam, 1993, Lyman and Dorff, 2007, Fanon, 1965).

Africa needs the International Criminal Court (ICC) as a tool of improving democratic judicial institutions (Du Plessis, 2010, Burke-William, 2008). With cases in Uganda, Sudan, Kenya and the Democratic of Congo, the International Criminal Court’s role in Africa has to be integrated, and not ignored. It would be negligent to do otherwise. The Principle of Complementarity, which forms the basis of the International Criminal Court (Rome Statute, 2002), will serve an important role in developing stronger domestic judicial systems and raising the level of discourse on justice in Africa. There cannot be democratic governance in Africa, if there is no justice, and/or judicial systems that can prosecute crimes that have been committed against the civilian population.

The prospect of strong democratic states is highly favorable for Africa and its people.  Therefore there has to be a new dimension to the dialogue on developing democratic governance in African states that includes participatory, socio-political justice and the process of democratization. With the help of the International Criminal Court, African states can build domestic judicial systems that are capable to prosecute those who commit heinous crimes against civilians.  For trials, or the threat to prosecute those who commit crimes can serve as a deterrent for future crimes and help advance a state’s progress towards democracy.

Works cited

Adam, H. (1993, October). Frantz Fanon as a Democratic Theorist. African Affairs, 92,

Burke-White, William (2008). Proactive Complementarity: The International Criminal Court and national courts in the Rome System of international justice. Harvard International Law Journal 49(1).

du Plessis, Max (2008). The International Criminal Court and its work in Africa: Confronting the myths. ISS Paper 173.

Du Plessis, Max (2010). The International Criminal Court that Africa wants. Monograph 172,

Fanon, F. (1965). The Wretched Of The Earth. New York: Grove Press.

Harris, K. (2005, September). Still Relevant: Claude Ake’s Challenge To Mainstream

Discourse On African Politics And Development. Journal of Third World Studies, 22,

Nyong’o, P.A. (1992, July). Democratization Processes in Africa. Review of African Political Economy, 54, pp.97-101.

Schabas, William (2007). An Introduction to the International Criminal Court, 3rd ed. Cambridge: Cambridge University Press.

Ungar, S.J. (1978). Africa: The People and Politics of an Emerging Continent. New York: Simon & Schuster, INC.

Get OVER Africa!

Would it be repetitious to say that the whole “we say” “they say” on Africa is a bit over done? No? Okay maybe to some of us then.  This picture is circulating around Social Media sites and every Tom, Dick and Harry is applauding the brilliance of such word clouding.  Isn’t it nice when we can put Africa in such a nice neat package?

How about we say BOTH!  We have tried to package Africa and now we are trying to put a nice bow on top for delivery to the world. The only problem is that Africa is not a neat package.  Africans, speaking in general terms, have gotten into the habit of overselling Africa, as if it were a product void of human emotion or interaction.  This is particularly the case of Africans in the Diaspora who seem to lack an understanding of this complex picture of Africa. ( on a separate note- can we all agree to take the word Diaspora out of our vocabulary?) – I mean have you ever heard of the Irish Diaspora, the English Diaspora, the  French Diaspora? – but that is a topic for another time.

Back to the picture above. We have gotten into the habit of telling the stories of Africa where only the great opportunities and happiness abound. We forget that the Africa on the left is much more a reflection of the Africa on the right.   Africa is a land of opportunities, but it also has a lot of problems.  These two Africans co-exist!  They are one and the same.  Be real!

On the other hand, WHO CARES? We are attempting to reframe Africa, to rebrand Africa, to reimage Africa…and the question should really be- WHY DO YOU CARE WHAT THE REST OF THE WORLD IS SAYING ABOUT AFRICA?

If we could spend our energy acting, and no reacting to western perceptions of Africa, we could probably figure out that the rosy picture of Africa does not need to be oversold – because that Africa has always existed before the Economist or Times painted Africa as the “rising” Continent.  Africa has ALWAYS been about these two contrasting pictures. This is not new. So for Africans to jump on this bandwagon of reacting on Western Media’s discovery of Africa’s potential is rather disappointing.  That is why we are caught up on this whole “telling the African Story”, “Reclaiming the African Story”, “Redefining the African Story”- or any other kind of nonsense that is being spout out there. WHAT IS THIS STORY?  What is this African story? and if indeed there is a singular “African Story”, can we agree that it is complex  and that no reclaiming, redefining, or retelling of this story will do any good, if we as Africans do not get off our derriere and do something about it?  Right now, Africa looks good on paper, but the reality on the ground presents a different picture. A real picture!

The Malala Yousafzai story in Africa

At 11, Mariam* discovers that instead of going to school, she will have to get married to an older gentleman. This means that she has to stop going to school. Her last act of defiance is running away and finding shelter with an international group that could protect her and find a way to continue her education. Her family finds her, takes her home and after beating her, she is married off. She dies at 13 during childbirth.- this was in 2011, and unfortunately, a familiar story in Africa.

Reading the Malala Yousafzai story should have every girl-education activist in Africa thinking. At 15 years old, this Pakistani girl became the symbol of girl education. But let us not kid ourselves- we have seen this story before, and we still do. Unfortunately the story of girls education in Africa is just as unpleasant. It might be getting better, but to this day, girls will always be the last ones chosen to attend school. A great number of girls go to school at their own risk. They risk the ostracization from their families and communities, and most of the time, they will have to leave school to get married– YES- Child marriage is a thing- and it continues on to this day. With all this talk of Africa rising, and African being the final or the next frontier, we have forgotten the battles such as girl education that we still need to fight.
Statistics show that $12 is the average amount spend on girl education in Africa. That is if the girls have been lucky to attend school. In 2012, PLAN released Because I am a Girl, a report on girl education in Africa. The stories untold, and the reports you won’t hear in the media is that girls in Africa are fighting for their education, but they constantly lack the support they need. They lack visibility- thus “if it is not seen, then it’s not happening”. In Africa, we have missed the mark in championing ourselves, championing children who are the future of the so-called “Africa Rising”.

Organizations that work with children get less support because those who are advocating for them, particularly in Africa, are few and far between. Unless an organization has a celebrity-like individual championing for their causes, then these organizations become obsolete- so to speak.  Thats why organizations like United for Kids Foundation are to be admired. They are slowly restoring hope in children’s lives. Other organizations like US-Africa Synergy are making sure that African girls/women are empowered, and contributing to their societies. More importantly, they are also working to end the Female Genital Mutilation (FGM)- this is an entirely different post. But the message is clear. These organizations tell our children that we care about them, and are not waiting for them to get an education because we can care about the contribution they are making in society.  After all, before any African youth can become an “Afropreneur”, they have to reach that awkward age of “adulthood”, and be accompanied with a decent education, formal or informal.

All that being said and done, there is hope. You can bet on that these kids are not waiting on us to get it together and realize that we need invest in them.

At 15, Aine Armando Wasso in Mozambique refused to get married and pursued her education despite opposition from her family. She was able to get the support she needed to be able to get the money required, and five years later, Wasso’s future is bright.
The misconception on a girl’s education has been that they don’t need it. Some of the parents believe that boys are smarter than the girls. Although this is disproved every day.
For example, meet Maud Chifamba, a 14 year old orphan who is an advocate for child education in Zimbabwe. Oh has it been mentioned that she is the FIRST girl, scratch that- student at her age to be admitted to college in Southern Africa? She was not shot, nor spend months in the hospital, but what Chifamba did was educate herself under strenuous circumstances, with no money to attend school. At a very young age, losing her parents, she learned that her future was in her own hands and she needed to fight- and fight she did.

These stories are just very few among thousands of stories of African girls and their plight for an education. So let us admire Malala for what she hopes to do and accomplish- but maybe its time Africans realize that Malala might be a symbol for child education, but the real work is up to them. Malala will not be traveling to Africa to solve the issue of girl-education.

So You Are: A proud African, Crazy about Africa…GOOD FOR YOU!

(Pat yourself in the back, and if you can’t get a friend to do it for you). I mean these days, all it takes is for one “brilliant” individual to come up with a cliche that leaves the rest of us in a frenzy….

Let’s Get some things out of the way:

1. There is an economic growth in SOME African countries. This has been the case for several years now, so let’s not act like its new thing, or start singing Kumbayah as if there is some messianic revival in Africa.  In other words, stop telling people that Africa is rising, or the new frontier or that it is emerging- let’s be honest that this is another circular clichéd fad that circles itself around every so often. They say history is the best teacher- but we seem to have kicked this particular teacher out of the room and decided to try and sound like we have made a new discovery. Like Really?
2. There is technology BOOM in Africa. So get over it and stop
   trying to find metaphors to describe the elation of many Africans. Can we all agree that Africa is moved beyond this whole “heart of darkness” bit? Also, pointing out this “boom” every ten seconds makes one seem like there is nothing else to talk about-which is so far from the truth. The truth of the matter, unless you are in Africa and have heard the cry of jubilee- then you are just guessing as to how people in Africa feel. We will not deny that Africans have progressed in terms of technological advancements, but that’s not just the only front of growth- so can we move on to some other African Innovations please….
3. This whole “Africa cannot be dependent on aid” mantra is not new! Read transcripts of leaders past and present, you will find that all these “innovative” ideas on progressing Africa forward is not new. (maybe repackaged, in new sexy colors, but nevertheless old mantra).  African renaissance, Africa the New frontier, Africa Rising, Africa the Final Frontier (what does this really mean?), oh and now…AFRICA EMERGING for the west. Sooooooo….Africa is emerging from? Basically, lets agree that these concepts are not new, and they will probably come back in another couple of years. So do yourself a favor and read Frantz Fanon, Mohammed Bagayogo, V.Y Mudimbe, Henry Oruka, Samir Amin etc….(maybe we can all learn something)
4. Africa is not a pretty package and that is reality- so stop making it into your personal brand.  This is particularly for the African diaspora. There are some harsh realities in Africa- and unless you have stepped on the ground and did some research and interacted with the people, stop making Africa (which is huge by the way) into your pet project.  You find young (and old) Africans who could not handle the playground, bullying or being called names have  now decided that it is their mission in life to make Africa palatable or pleasant. They  now want to make Africa appear more appealing to the world so that they don’t have to be ashamed of wearing their African print, or saying their name outloud= Good for you! But now back to reality. Africa is Africa, and instead of trying to fit it into your mode- look again at the reality- find away to tell the story of Africa without all this fluffy material.  In other words, grow a pair and get real.

These are going to be reccurring themes this year with a dose of “Get real”. But in have a reality check, and stop thinking of Africa as a pet project. We are so afraid of what is going in Africa that we have painted a picture of Africa not meeting the reality. Africa is complicated and there is a lot of beauty, and a lot of ugliness, a lot of happiness and a lot of pain. there is a lot of good, and a lot of bad. We need to reconcile with this. Understandably, Africa is en vogue but lets not forget that there are real people who are being affected positively and negatively by how each one of us chooses to engage with Africa.

  Cut your hair if you must. Go natural if its your thing. Wear the kinte cloth by all means- Infact, wear as many colors as possible (I mean Joseph wore a 12-colored coat non?), Shout your “African” name from the top of your lungs (and insist that others correctly pronounce your name) if that makes you feel more African and proud, start chanting “I am Africa/I am African” if wearing a shirt makes you more African than the kid in Soweto slums barely holding to his own shirt. All these fluffy things that we adopt to make ourselves feel better= Do it all! But lets not delude ourselves thinking that this makes you more African and does good for Africa

From the Desk of an African Man…

There are probably many issues that could be discussed today, however, given that the Africa Cup of Nations is on, it is best to remind my fellow African females that we will get no attention from the men during this time.

So for those who think that this whole African man phenomenon is exaggerated…enjoy this   letter that first came out during the 2008 ACN.

Dear Wife, Partner, Girlfriend,

1. From 20 January to February 10 2013, you should read the sports section of the newspaper so that you are aware of what is going on regarding the African Cup of Nations, and that way you will be able to join in the conversations. If you fail to do this, then you will be looked at in a bad way, or you will be totally ignored. DO NOT complain about not receiving any attention.

2. During the African Nations Cup, the television is mine, at all times, without any exceptions. If you even take a glimpse of the remote control, you will lose it (your eye).

3. If you have to pass by in front of the TV during a game, I don’t mind, as long as you do it crawling on the floor and without distracting me. If you decide to stand nude in front of the TV, make sure you put clothes on right after because if you catch a cold, I wont have time to take you to the doctor or look after you during the African Nations Cup month.

4. During the games I will be blind, deaf and mute, unless I require a refill of my drink or something to eat. You are out of your mind if you expect me to listen to you, open the door, answer the telephone, or pick up the baby that just fell on the floor….It won’t happen.

5. It would be a good idea for you to keep at least 2 six packs in the fridge at all times, as well as plenty of things to nibble on, and please do not make any funny faces to my friends when they come over to watch the games. In return, you will be allowed to use the TV between 12am and 6am, unless they replay a good game that I missed during the day.

6. Please, please, please!! If you see me upset because one of my teams is losing, DO NOT say “get over it, its only a game”, or “don’t worry, they’ll win next time”. If you say these things, you will only make me angrier and I will love you less. Remember, you will never ever know more about football than me and your so called “words of encouragement” will only lead to a break up or divorce.

7. You are welcome to sit with me to watch one game and you can talk to me during halftime but only when the commercials are on, and only if the halftime score is pleasing me. In addition, please note I am saying “one” game; hence do not use the African Nations Cup as a nice cheesy excuse to “spend time together”.

8. The replays of the goals are very important. I don’t care if I have seen them or I haven’t seen them, I want to see them again. Many times.

9. Tell your friends NOT to have any babies, or any other child related parties or gatherings that requires my attendance because: a) I will not go, b) I will not go, and c) I will not go.

10. But, if a friend of mine invites us to his house on a Sunday to watch a game, we will be there in a flash.

11. The daily African Nations Cup highlights show on TV every night is just as important as the games themselves. Do not even think about saying “but you have already seen this…why don’t

 you change the channel to something we can all watch?” because, the reply will be, “Refer to Rule #2 of this list”.

12. And finally, please save your expressions such as “Thank God the Nations Cup is only

every 2 years”. I am immune to these words, because after this comes the Champions League, Italian League, Spanish League,

Premier League, FA Cup, etc. Thank you for your cooperation.

Print this and place it besides the TV so that madam or your girlfriend can see so that we all enjoy the African Nations cup and save some misunderstanding.

This makes me laugh every time. Never fails, because it is so true.  I am sure not every African man subscribes to this, but I doubt I will be hearing much from my African male friends for another couple of weeks.

Plus, since I subscribe to being a football fanatic…I totally get it.