China's President Xi Jinping on a state visit to Zimbabwe. REUTERS/Philimon BulawayoThe foreign aid arena in Africa has traditionally been dominated by the Organisation of Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) countries. However, over the last three decades non-traditional donors such as China, have emerged. The increasing importance of non-traditional donors has … [Read more...] about How and why China became Africa’s biggest aid donor | The Conversation
Africa’s
Drawn out battle over genetic resources dampens Africa’s hopes | The Conversation
Rosy periwinkle, found in Madagascar, is used in treating some kinds of cancer. ShutterstockThe global South is full of significant, diverse biological and genetic resources. It’s also home to most of the world’s indigenous communities. This is why developing countries are sensitive about protecting their genetic resources and traditional knowledge. Indigenous communities … [Read more...] about Drawn out battle over genetic resources dampens Africa’s hopes | The Conversation
Mbeki’s dream of Africa’s renaissance belied South Africa’s schizophrenia | The Conversation
Former South African President Thabo Mbeki. Reuters/Mike HutchingsA new book, “A Jacana Pocket Biography: Thabo Mbeki”, by Adekeye Adebajo, reflects on the legacy of the man some have called Africa’s “Philosopher king”. This is an edited extract. Mbeki’s foreign policy was in part driven by his vision of an African Renaissance. He encouraged South Africans to embrace an … [Read more...] about Mbeki’s dream of Africa’s renaissance belied South Africa’s schizophrenia | The Conversation
Why the rand punches above the weight of South Africa’s economy | The Conversation
The South African rand is the 18th most traded currency in the world. Reuters/Siphiwe SibekoIs the size of the South African economy out of sync with the ranking of the rand as the 18th most traded currency in the world? The South African economy is the 33rd biggest in the world, with a gross domestic product of US$ 350 billion in 2014. But its currency, the South African … [Read more...] about Why the rand punches above the weight of South Africa’s economy | The Conversation
How South Africa’s Nelson Mandela Bay may be the ANC’s mini Waterloo | The Conversation
Supporters of South Africa's ruling ANC cheer at a rally to launch the party's 2016 local government elections manifesto in Nelson Mandela Bay. Reuters/Mike HutchingsOne-party dominant systems, global experiences have shown, eventually fall into a crisis of legitimacy. This often stems from a perception of ineffective governance and lack of delivery on promises made to … [Read more...] about How South Africa’s Nelson Mandela Bay may be the ANC’s mini Waterloo | The Conversation
