- President Marc Ravalomanana of Madagascar has called spade a spade when he told a symposium in Shanghai, China, that leadership is key to Africa’s development.
He says lack of opportunities and leadership have been pushing African reformers and talents to seek greener pastures elsewhere. Mr Ravalomanana concurs that the concept of absolute power for power’s sake is no longer useful in a modern context.
“We need reformers and leaders who can deliver results,” Malagasy President says.
President Ravalomanana asks leaders to make straight talks and tell the truth, even if people don’t like to hear it.
He says it is unacceptable for poverty to exist in an alarming rate in a world of abundance such as Africa, where people are dying of hunger, malaria and HIV/AIDS. Mr Ravalomanana sees Africa as a complex continent with 53 countries. He says each country is a different development stage and has its own set of problems and challenges.
He says since African values and mindsets retard progress, the continent’s challenge now is to preserve its good culture and transform those that hinder progress.
Malagasy leader has also got an axe to grind with colonialism and imperialism, describing them as factors that have helped to keep the continent’s abject poverty. “The legacy of colonialism was like a weight tied to our legs. We want to run fast, but the weight slows us down. Colonialism has left our people feeling inferior,” he said. He however quickly says he is not in China to heap blame on colonialists.
Mr Ravalomanana believes that globalisation is a good concept but wonders how Africa can compete with other continents when huge trade barriers have been placed in front of it at the international market.
He also takes on donors for merely providing financing without providing ambitious development plans to African countries. Malagasy leader exonerates the ADB group that has been providing support to his country from blame.
Given this picture, Mr. Ravalomanana focused on his country’s realities and its aspiration to eradicate poverty and move towards abundance. To achieve this, he said good leadership as well as creativity and discipline were necessary.
President Pedro Pires of Cape Verde says his country, a chain of islands, which is part of initial globalisation efforts, got independent with just US $300,000 in its coffers.
Despite being faced with numerous challenges, he says, they have not lost hope and confidence. “We started off with a policy of proximity, political realism and diversification of our external relations. We are committed to building a credible nation, with efficient institutions, which enjoys the confidence of the people,” he stressed.
President Pires says his country’s experience has bee characterised by enlightened committed leadership based on inclusive policies and efficiency. Commending the African bank group for standing firm with his country, President Pires warns partners not to turn their back to Cape Verde simply because it has succeed.
The President of the bank group, Donald Kaberuka, extends thanks and appreciation to the Chinese authorities for hosting the bank’s annual meetings.
Several important dignitaries, including the Governor of the China Central Bank, Zhou Xiaochuan, and the UNECA Executive Secretary, Abdoulie Janneh attend the lectures.
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afrol News - The UN's humanitarian agencies now warn about a devastating famine in Sudan and especially in South Sudan, where the situation is said to be "imploding". Relief officials are appealing to donors to urgently fund life-saving activities in the two countries.
afrol News - Fear is spreading all over West Africa after the health ministry in Guinea confirmed the first Ebola outbreak in this part of Africa. According to official numbers, at least 86 are infected and 59 are dead as a result of this very contagious disease.
afrol News - It is already a crime being homosexual in Ethiopia, but parliament is now making sure the anti-gay laws will be applied in practical life. No pardoning of gays will be allowed in future, but activist fear this only is a signal of further repression being prepared.
afrol News / Africa Renewal - Ethiopia's ambitious plan to build a US$ 4.2 billion dam in the Benishangul-Gumuz region, 40 km from its border with Sudan, is expected to provide 6,000 megawatts of electricity, enough for its population plus some excess it can sell to neighbouring countries.
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