Africa and globalisation

T here is currently much optimism about economic development in Africa, and the ability of globalisation and western policy to promote growth on the continent. This optimism is misplaced, however, and it is self serving of G8 and other donor interests; it also goes to the heart of how ‘the west’ views ‘Africa’, and does little more than promote a patronising view of Africa (and Africans), while promoting a subordinating practice of development.