African Economic Outlook 2011 on China and other Rising Powers and Africa : Chapter 6

The Africa Economic Outlook 2011(see  http://www.africaneconomicoutlook.org/en/in-depth/africa-and-its-emerging-partners/) has just been released. Chapter 6 of this report focuses on the BRICS, Korea and Turkey. I find the call for African unity in respond to these countries antiquated. The focus should be on the long term strategic thinking of African countries(which the report itself admits).

I made that case in 2010 (http://twnafrica.org/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=321:africa-china-planning-for-the-long-term&catid=37:african-agenda&Itemid=58) and also in 2011
( http://www.brill.nl/african-engagements;Public Policy Formation in Africa in the Wake of the Global financial Meltdown: Building Blocks for a New Mind in a Multi-polar  World;Chapter 14; 2011, Brill, Lieden, Netherlands ).

The AU is too hide-bound and bureaucratic to be relied upon for the kind of detailed policy thinking that a strategic response to these countries requires.

The Power Game is On!!!

Being European is POWERFUL 

So it is official. Madame Lagarde has cornered the IMF top post. It is powerful to be European I guess. But what happened to the BRICS bluster? This was a moment to move from the trenches to the frontline and sequester some key territory in the global financial space. Of course the grande dame made calls on China behind close doors. What was the quid pro quo?

I think the BRICS have given up a gaping opportunity to take the IMF and remold it to suit the financial power matrix of our times. Or they want a European to get his or her nose rubbed diligently in the rottenness of Greece's financial mess and carry the can ultimately? Some of us are watching. But the BRICS must soon step up to the plate; action beyond the well worn rhetoric is the way forward.