President Obama is headed to Africa this week in what appears to be a symbolic, one day visit. While one can certainly not build Africa in a day, the truth is that we don't yet know how deeply committed our new president is to reforming the continent. However, Africans trust the president a great deal and so do many African Americans. There is reason to trust Obama, given his African roots, and the truth is that it won't take much for him to improve on the policies of Clinton and Bush.
As black people, it is important for us to realize the urgency of persuading the president to pursue an assertive economic policy in Africa. Africa is a place that is rich with resources and full of opportunity. We should take the lead in ensuring that our nation changes the perception of the continent and opens the door for greater investment across the sea.
Additionally, Obama should keep this in mind as he begins his journey to the motherland:
1) The goal is not to simply give aid to Africa. The objective should be to help Africa to aid itself. The recent package of $15 billion being offered by many rich nations across the world is a great first step, but not simply because of the size of the package. It is also significant due to the fact that it helps farmers to use their land more efficiently, thus allowing Africans to achieve sustainable long-term economic growth. The same mindset can be applied to helping African businesses operate more effectively, form strategic partnerships and to develop the necessary infrastructure for corporate development.
2) The president correctly noted in recent interviews that political stability is an important precursor to economic stability. Those governments that do not represent the people should be challenged by the United States to engage in greater governmental transparency. Yes, this is a difficult task, but it is surely worth pursuing. One can hope that the task of addressing corrupt governments would be done without any sort of secondary agenda, but then again, politicians will be politicians.
Obama on Tour
U.S. President Barack Obama walks by the G8 logo during a media conference at the G8 summit in L'Aquila, Italy on Thursday, July 9, 2009. (AP Photo/Andrew Medichini)
AP
U.S. President Barack Obama, left, and Australia's Prime Minister Kevin Rudd participate in a media conference at the G8 summit in L'Aquila, Italy on Thursday, July 9, 2009. (AP Photo/Andrew Medichini)
AP
South Korean President Lee Myung-bak participates in a media conference at the G8 summit in L'Aquila, Italy on Thursday, July 9, 2009. (AP Photo/Andrew Medichini)
AP
U.S. President Barack Obama walks by the G8 logo during a media conference at the G8 summit in L'Aquila, Italy on Thursday, July 9, 2009. (AP Photo/Andrew Medichini)
AP
U.S. President Barack Obama, left, and Australia's Prime Minister Kevin Rudd participate in a media conference at the G8 summit in L'Aquila, Italy on Thursday, July 9, 2009. (AP Photo/Andrew Medichini)
AP
U.S. President Barack Obama, left, and Australia's Prime Minister Kevin Rudd participate in a media conference at the G8 summit in L'Aquila, Italy on Thursday, July 9, 2009. (AP Photo/Andrew Medichini)
AP
Honduras' interim President Roberto Micheletti, right, is accompanied by Cyrus Alpizar of Costa Rica's Foreign Ministry upon his arrival to Juan Santamaria international airport near San Jose, Thursday, July 9, 2009. Micheletti arrived to participate in negotiations with Honduras' ousted President Manuel Zelaya, with Costa Rica's President Oscar Arias acting as mediator. Honduras' army seized Zelaya and flew him out of the country on June 28 after the courts and Congress accused him of violating the constitution. (AP Photo/Kent Gilbert)
AP
Leaders leave a news conference on the environment at the G8 summit in L'Aquila, Italy, July 9, 2009. Leaders of the Group of Eight major industrial nations and the main developing economies are meeting in the central Italian city of L'Aquila until Friday to discuss issues ranging from global economic stimulus to climate change and oil prices. From L-R: Mexico's President Felipe Calderon, Britain's Prime Minister Gordon Brown, Italy's Prime Minister Silvio Berlusconi, Canada's Prime Minister Stephen Harper, U.S. President Barack Obama and South Korea's President Lee Myung-bak. REUTERS/Chris Wattie (ITALY POLITICS ENVIRONMENT)
Reuters
Australia's Prime Minister Kevin Rudd (R) offers his hand to U.S. President Barack Obama after the two leaders gave a news conference on the environment at the G8 summit in L'Aquila, Italy, July 9, 2009. Leaders of the Group of Eight major industrial nations and the main developing economies are meeting in the central Italian city of L'Aquila until Friday to discuss issues ranging from global economic stimulus to climate change and oil prices. Pictured clapping are Mexico's President Felipe Calderon (L-R), Britain's Prime Minister Gordon Brown, Canada's Prime Minister Stephen Harper, and Italy's Prime Minister Silvio Berlusconi (2nd R). REUTERS/Jason Reed (ITALY POLITICS ENVIRONMENT)
Reuters
Uighur, Tibetan and Mongol demonstrators hold flags and posters while marching during a joint protest against China, in Stockholm, Sweden July 9, 2009. Chinese President Hu Jintao, forced to abandon a G8 summit in Italy by ethnic violence in restive Xinjiang, said that maintaining social stability in the energy-rich region was the "most urgent task", state television reported on Thursday. REUTERS/Bertil Ericson/Scanpix (SWEDEN CONFLICT POLITICS) NO COMMERCIAL OR BOOK SALES. FOR EDITORIAL USE ONLY. NOT FOR SALE FOR MARKETING OR ADVERTISING CAMPAIGNS. SWEDEN OUT. NO COMMERCIAL OR EDITORIAL SALES IN SWEDEN
Reuters
3) Given that sub-Sarahan Africa gets only 2% of all global trade (compared to 6% in 1980), a slight increase in this number can do a great deal to eradicate poverty and improve standards of living. Obama should invest in economic think tanks that have real power to help solve this problem, and work proactively to implement their suggestions. The increase in trade should be accompanied by corporate accountability, to ensure that business is being done in a way that provides incentives for U.S. corporations to invest in the communities within which they operate. One serious problem in many African nations is that the wealth being earned from African resources rarely finds its way to the people. This is fundamentally wrong.
As people of color, we cannot stand by idly and watch Africa suffer. We must remember that while the plight of African Americans is difficult in this global economy, the plight of Africans is far worse. Millions of lives are dependent upon our willingness to act, and the world is watching us closely. During my trip to Africa, I realized that you and I are quite privileged to be just a couple of degrees of separation from the most powerful leader in the world. We collectively control our own destiny.
Below, there are two interviews I did this week, one with Dr. Wilmer Leon, a Howard University Professor and one of the leading black political scientists in the country. The other is with Pastor Poju Oyemade, one of the leading pastors in Nigeria. I felt that with all the commentary about what people in the US are thinking about Obama's trip to Africa, it is only appropriate that we hear from our brothers and sisters across the sea.
The interview with Dr. Leon is at this link.
The interview with "Pastor Poju" is at this link. I hope you'll take a listen.
Dr. Boyce Watkins is a Finance Professor at Syracuse University and author of the forthcoming book, "Black American Money," set for release on July 15, 2009. To have Dr. Boyce commentary delivered directly to your email, please click here.



Comments: (16)
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By: Drene on 7/09/2009 8:59AM
Let's not neglect to place education within this economic conundrum. Not only do we need to replace the "brain drain" that is depleted yearly from Africans who study abroad and then become hestitant to return to their home countries; but, we also need to invest in quality, 21st century educational practices on the continent. Improving educational opportunities translates into a better equipped African youth population, who will be able to confront economic hardships and unstable governments/military fractions that profit from an uneductaed underclass.
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By: monique on 7/12/2009 9:29AM
This is a very good point. There is a long list of things that Obama must do to help the continent. He can't do them all by himself, so we have to help him.
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By: blackbear72 on 7/09/2009 5:36PM
Why should the president of the US have any duties to do anything for Africa, when we need so much done here? As a person of the United States, you should have no concern for anywhere but the US, until all the problems are fixed here.
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By: Gregory on 7/11/2009 2:28PM
Here's the thing - Obama has been a supporter of the Millineum Challenge to send money to Africa and combat AIDS, malaria and tuberculosis. He's for initiatives that provide money for African countries and will continue to support them. However, he cannot sustain support politically with the constant refrain that the money is being wasted by corrupt leaders or thrown into a pit. Therefore, Obama has to be vocal about tying the money to good governance. His race increases the level of scrutiny and many people in these countries are also politically aware and understand this. Obama and the people who made these statements in the article that you linked to are using political acumen.
This statement has good intention, but missed the point We Obama dissenters on his African bashing. Our point, Blk, Chanya, G23, is that the west is the cause of bad leadership in Africa. They will never allow an African leader who will not kowtow to the western manipulations. The gist of our point is that Obama is punking out by only criticizing one part of the problem in Africa. Africa can't prosper unitil it is Free to choose its own Producitve Leaders. Not someone who is good for America's or outside business interest. He now want this impossible situation out of Africa to work for Africa first, but Africa come up with a solution that must be perfect from there...??? America has done no such thing. Obama is contradicting himself by being for Aid for Africa, but not point out the underhanded tactics that are used to still rob the Continent of its resources. He did not call out the Darkside of today's Colonialism. There is a synenergy to this. He will wear out his goodwill from Black Folks by easily throwing Us over the bus to look good in front of white folks. I, and level headed black folks know he has to be subtle and careful about how he deal with these white folks. But give Us the same levity he gave the Arabs and Muslims in his trip to their countries.
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By: Dee on 7/12/2009 2:09PM
Something has to be done on the American side as China is going into Africa, investing enormous amounts of capital, exploiting natural resources and the people positioning themselves to be the next world power. Watch China people!!! We'll soon be learning Chinese as a second language.
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By: KC on 7/13/2009 8:07AM
WHAT DOES THE COLOR OF SOMEONES SKIN HAVE ANYTHING TO DO WITH THIS WHOLE SITUATION JUST THINK ABOUT YOUR COMMENT IT DOESNT MAKE ANY SINCE.
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By: Tamara Brewington on 7/13/2009 9:00AM
I do believe that it will be very difficult for some of those African countries so change how their corrupt political systems work right away simply because we hold them to accountablity. So many of Africa's countries were Colonial states where the primary exportable products came from resources that are either tough to extract, or for which there is great global competition making export and state to state costly. Platinum, Copper, Silver, Nickel, Gold, diamonds, saphires, rubbies, rubber, cotton seeds, coffee beans, cocoa beans, a range of tropical foods, ground, shea nuts, a range of spices, Arabic gum, fabric dye, exotic wood, fisheries products, a range of herbs, charcoal, tobacco, granite, various grades of cement, various kinds of clay, quartz, marble, and other products are what African states have to sell. The costs of export are driven up by a global competition for those products that are not from the mining category. Labor costs are driven down for those products that are mining based due to the kind of technology necessary to make those ventures cost effective. These two factors result in the practice of African leaders to turn a blind eye to the humanitarian issues of near slave labor, of deplorable working conditions, of an unequal redistribution of labor incentives, and are encouraging Colonialist practices of the treatment of African citizens as a worker base without rights. So many African countries got out from under European Colonialism by the 1960's only to find themselves with Black Political Leaders who resorted back to Colonial Mindedness and the endorsement of Colonial business practices and the propensity to revert how the economies of thier countries operate to exactly how those were run under Colonial regimes
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By: A Citizen Of Heaven on 7/13/2009 9:09AM
I do believe that it will be very difficult for some of those African countries so change how their corrupt political systems work right away simply because we hold them to accountablity. So many of Africa's countries were Colonial states where the primary exportable products came from resources that are either tough to extract, or for which there is great global competition making export and state to state costly. Platinum, Copper, Silver, Nickel, Gold, diamonds, saphires, rubbies, rubber, cotton seeds, coffee beans, cocoa beans, a range of tropical foods, ground, shea nuts, a range of spices, Arabic gum, fabric dye, exotic wood, fisheries products, a range of herbs, charcoal, tobacco, granite, various grades of cement, various kinds of clay, quartz, marble, and other products are what African states have to sell. The costs of export are driven up by a global competition for those products that are not from the mining category. Labor costs are driven down for those products that are mining based due to the kind of technology necessary to make those ventures cost effective. These two factors result in the practice of African leaders to turn a blind eye to the humanitarian issues of near slave labor, of deplorable working conditions, of an unequal redistribution of labor incentives, and are encouraging Colonialist practices of the treatment of African citizens as a worker base without rights. So many African countries got out from under European Colonialism by the 1960's only to find themselves with Black Political Leaders who resorted back to Colonial Mindedness and the endorsement of Colonial business practices and the propensity to revert how the economies of their countries operate to exactly how those were run under Colonial regimes.
It will be very hard for those African States that find their leaders now reverting to Colonial methods of doing business and providing incentives for more Democratic methods of production when the ways in which products are extracted has not changed, and the costs of export and state to state transfer remain so high.
If America is truly to find ways to help Africa help herself the root of the problems that are causing their economies to be so low will have to be addressed, or all of these humanitarian rights issues of the common African person will not be changed.
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By: A Citizen Of Heaven on 7/13/2009 9:15AM
I do believe that it will be very difficult for some of those African countries so change how their corrupt political systems work right away simply because we hold them to accountablity. So many of Africa's countries were Colonial states where the primary exportable products came from resources that are either tough to extract, or for which there is great global competition making export and state to state costly. Platinum, Copper, Silver, Nickel, Gold, diamonds, saphires, rubbies, rubber, cotton seeds, coffee beans, cocoa beans, a range of tropical foods, ground, shea nuts, a range of spices, Arabic gum, fabric dye, exotic wood, fisheries products, a range of herbs, charcoal, tobacco, granite, various grades of cement, various kinds of clay, quartz, marble, and other products are what African states have to sell. The costs of export are driven up by a global competition for those products that are not from the mining category. Labor costs are driven down for those products that are mining based due to the kind of technology necessary to make those ventures cost effective. These two factors result in the practice of African leaders to turn a blind eye to the humanitarian issues of near slave labor, of deplorable working conditions, of an unequal redistribution of labor incentives, and are encouraging Colonialist practices of the treatment of African citizens as a worker base without rights. So many African countries got out from under European Colonialism by the 1960's only to find themselves with Black Political Leaders who resorted back to Colonial Mindedness and the endorsement of Colonial business practices and the propensity to revert how the economies of their countries operate to exactly how those were run under Colonial regimes.
It will be very hard for those African States that find their leaders now reverting to Colonial methods of doing business and providing incentives for more Democratic methods of production when the ways in which products are extracted has not changed, and the costs of export and state to state transfer remain so high.
If America is truly to find ways to help Africa help herself the root of the problems that are causing their economies to be so low will have to be addressed, or all of these humanitarian rights issues of the common African person will not be changed.
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By: flowerchild629 on 7/13/2009 11:18AM
Yeah his wife.Remember, she is dark skinned...something you rarely find in black men they they succeed.
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