Imported: Locking in Africa's Value(s)

Africa's over-reliance on imported goods, capital, and expertise has a human and economic cost. Imported explores ways to reorient foreign investment, overseas development assistance, and Africa's long-term sustainable development goals to lock in Africa's wealth for the benefit of Africa first.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 240 pages
Publication date: 01 August 2022
Publisher: Whitefox Publishing Ltd

Africa's dependence on imports has reached unprecedented levels, encompassing a wide range of essential goods and resources for modern society. From household necessities to the foundations of infrastructure and capital, Africa relies on external sources to develop its capabilities. This trend has persisted for decades, with Africa seeking solutions to its social and economic challenges from the outside rather than addressing them internally.

As Africa aims to attract significant investments to finance its infrastructure, support businesses, and implement development programs, the issue of imported goods, capital, and expertise becomes increasingly pertinent. The over-reliance on imported resources has significant human and economic costs for the region. While foreign direct investment (FDI) can bring valuable resources and expertise, Africa's pervasive culture of importing often results in the relinquishment of potential benefits.

Imported provides valuable insights into the current methods employed by governments, development organizations, and impact investors in Africa. It explores ways to reorient foreign investment, overseas development assistance, and Africa's long-term sustainable development goals to prioritize Africa's wealth and benefit the continent first.

One critical aspect of reorienting foreign investment is to encourage more direct investment in African businesses and industries. This can involve partnering with local companies, providing technical assistance, and promoting sustainable development practices. By investing in Africa's growth, foreign investors can contribute to job creation, economic development, and poverty reduction.

Overseas development assistance (ODA) can also be reoriented to prioritize sustainable development and poverty reduction. Rather than solely providing aid, ODA should focus on building African capacity and promoting self-sufficiency. This can include providing training, technical expertise, and financial support to African institutions and programs.

Furthermore, Africa's long-term sustainable development goals should be aligned with its domestic priorities and resources. This requires a comprehensive strategy that addresses issues such as agriculture, infrastructure, education, healthcare, and gender equality. By prioritizing sustainable development, Africa can ensure that its resources are used for the benefit of its people and the planet.

In conclusion, Africa's over-reliance on imported goods, capital, and expertise has significant human and economic costs. Imported sheds light on the current methods employed by governments, development organizations, and impact investors in Africa. By reorienting foreign investment, overseas development assistance, and Africa's long-term sustainable development goals, the continent can prioritize its wealth and benefit the people first. This requires a collaborative effort between African governments, international organizations, and private sector actors to promote sustainable development, invest in local businesses, and build African capacity.

Weight: 218g
Dimension: 167 x 511 x 20 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781915036643