Jeune Street

Africa has long been viewed by western powers (and people) primarily through the humanitarian/development lens. The emergence of TV and media saturation has served to reinforce these perception, helping to drive pressure on governments to ramp up foreign aid programs. While foreign aid has never reached impressive levels of generosity, the very existence of these programs has owed a lot to democratic pressure to 'help Africa'.

I get the sense that the 'humanitarian' perception of Africa is shifting dramatically. The shift is driven by a number of factors: an increasingly confident and unified continent, declining armed conflict, impressive rates of economic growth in a set of countries, and most of all by the full-court press of economic and political engagement by emerging powers. The inability of many foreign aid programs to show significant results for decades of spending doesn't help. What all of this means is that Africa is increasingly seen in 'strategic' terms rather than 'humanitarian' ones. Promoting trade, investment, and key bilateral relations are trumping development assistance in the design of foreign policy.

This emerging sea change in thinking is reflected in a number of places. Read the Economist's coverage of Africa, or the Financial Times, for that matter. The recent issue of the Globe and Mail, edited by Bono and Bob Geldof, featured a narrative of a rising Africa, not a needy one. World Bank Executives are talking about Africa as the next 'BRIC' country. The most comprehensive treatment of the theme, however, is in the new Chatham House report, "Our Common Strategic Interests: Africa's Role in a Post-G8 World." here is a snapshot:

A strong diplomatic and trade engagement with Africa matters. Africa is the foundation of the global supply chain – a strategic source of almost 40% of the raw materials, agriculture, fresh water and energy essential for global growth. Its rainforests play a central role in the planet’s climate. Its population of one billion are increasingly important consumers. Africa is strategically placed between time zones, continents and hemispheres. However, the overwhelmingly humanitarian interest of many Western countries and traditional partners has led to stereotyped perceptions of Africa in terms only of problems. These views are increasingly patronizing, recursive, out of touch, and a deterrent to serious business interest. Meanwhile the emerging economic powers of the G20 see Africa in terms of opportunities – as a place in which to invest, gain market share and win access to resources.

The Chatham House report is a sign of the times; the crest of a wave signalling a far-reaching sea change in the official policy discussion about Africa in western countries.