Big Think

Bernard A. on January 13, 2008, 5:15 AM

Great achievements in Africa, Richard, but WHAT does Africa really need to develop like Asian Tigers or European economies?

Bernard A. on January 13, 2008, 10:15 AM

Great achievements in Africa, Richard, but WHAT does Africa really need to develop like Asian Tigers or European economies?

Colin Hunt on January 19, 2008, 11:53 AM

Would Africa benefit from being a single nation the "United Tribes of Africa"? This could be with three tier government, namely: tribal, state and federal. Current boundaries were arbitarily imposed by European colonialism and could be re-drawn by a federal government to reduce violent conflict, nepotism and corruption.

Africa has enormous natural resources and the potential to greatly increase food production to banish famine. A single nation could provide uniform healthcare, education and human rights protection. All forms of aid would be easier to deliver and more effective.

Virgin could expand operations across Africa and be a shining example of good business practices that others would follow. A progressive reduction in violence and corruption would be good for business and probably result in higher profit margins.

Colin Hunt on January 19, 2008, 4:53 PM

Would Africa benefit from being a single nation the “United Tribes of Africa”? This could be with three tier government, namely: tribal, state and federal. Current boundaries were arbitarily imposed by European colonialism and could be re-drawn by a federal government to reduce violent conflict, nepotism and corruption.

Africa has enormous natural resources and the potential to greatly increase food production to banish famine. A single nation could provide uniform healthcare, education and human rights protection. All forms of aid would be easier to deliver and more effective.

Virgin could expand operations across Africa and be a shining example of good business practices that others would follow. A progressive reduction in violence and corruption would be good for business and probably result in higher profit margins.

Andrew Lessard on January 22, 2008, 8:26 AM

Interesting comment Arthur, but how would you get from "a to b"? I guess, what I mean is, in its current state of corruption, violence, and poverty, what kind of road map would you see Africa going down to get to a single nation?

Begin the process with economic and social standards that many nations can meet. Start the process similar to that of the European Union. Unite the nations of Africa around economic incentives that will drive up the collective purchasing power and trade leverage of Africa. Getting traction economically could lead to larger and more ambitious goals to unite this continent.

Andrew Lessard on January 22, 2008, 1:26 PM

Interesting comment Arthur, but how would you get from “a to b”? I guess, what I mean is, in its current state of corruption, violence, and poverty, what kind of road map would you see Africa going down to get to a single nation?

Begin the process with economic and social standards that many nations can meet. Start the process similar to that of the European Union. Unite the nations of Africa around economic incentives that will drive up the collective purchasing power and trade leverage of Africa. Getting traction economically could lead to larger and more ambitious goals to unite this continent.