Aid, Aid Politics and the Commission for Africa

Abstract

Africa ' s position in global development politics has once again become an issue of considerable attention. One school of thought urges more aid to help Africa. Another school speaks of too much aid being given to Africa without tangible results. This article begins with a review of the international community ' s efforts in providing aid to Africa, focusing on "Our Common Interest: Report of the Commission for Africa." What is new about the Commission? Is it different from prior international undertakings?  Why is Africa still poor despite aid? This article concludes that the Commission for Africa brings nothing new to the table as far as ending Africa ' s poverty. Arguably, the development of Africa can only come from Africans themselves.