VOA: Clinton Urges African Leaders to Embrace Democracy – U.S. Secretary of State Hillary Clinton spoke yesterday in Dakar, Senegal at the first stop on her African tour that will take her to six countries. Clinton emphasized that “African leaders . . . must respect their people’s rights or be destined to lose power” in “nations where a small elite prospers while most of the population is stuck in poverty.” Clinton outlined the new U.S. strategy toward Africa, which focuses on spurring development and economic growth, advancing peace and security and strengthening democracy.
The Daily Show: Interview with Dambisa Moyo – Dambisa Moyo, the author of the new book “Winner Take All,” discusses China’s increasing role of trade and job creation in the emerging world. Moyo stresses the importance of the US engaging in a positive way to deliver resources and aid to developing countries. She explains that there is rarely a discussion around Africa being an investment destination, yet they urgently need investment and trade. American policy makers need to take the lead and encourage American companies to engage in Africa and not treat is solely as a place for charity.
New York Times: Outside a King’s Plush Halls, Streets Rise in Anger – In Swaziland, each day makes clearer the division between the state and its people. While civil servants, teachers and medical workers picket for a salary increase, King Mswati III’s government cries poverty, despite the “big raises, retirement packages and living allowances” they allotted for themselves. (Lydia Polgreen)
Forbes: African Farmers to Get Mobile Phone Help “Farm to Fork” – Farming has gone by the wayside for many in Africa, as youth have taken to cities in search of work, which instead often leads to life in slums and a missed opportunity “to transform Africa’s agricultural sector.” Africa Rural Connect launched a contest to help individuals working to make agriculture more profitable and attractive. (Beth Hoffman)
