Zoo Station

There is a voice in the wilderness that speaks to what the real problems of Africa might be, namely George Ayittey, prominent economist, head of the Free Africa Foundation and author of Africa Unchained. You would imagine that the most prominent voice on Africa would be an African one with experience on the ground and a real understanding of how these countries function. The very fact that it is instead an American economist with previous experience in Bolivia, Poland and Russia that everyone listens to is reflective of the paternalism that's built into the international aid business. For more fun and games, have a look at this PBS debate between Jeff Sachs and George. Anyways, to Bono's credit, he did spend some time talking to George (evidence below), but whether he will listen is a whole other question.


(pic courtesy: White African)