Eighth Annual Pan-African Conference
October 27, 2007
Roundtable Topics
Distribution of Resources: Government Accountability and Ownership
Moderator(s):Ada Ndeso-Atanga
Since colonial times, natural resources have been the primary interest and agent of economic growth of non-African nations. As a result, the economy of most African nations has been centered on the extraction and deportation of resources. In post-colonial Africa, disputes over the extraction, distribution, and ownership of natural resources has caused inter-state conflict, environmental degradation, and misappropriations of resources. As a result, this workshop seeks to explore the historic and present role of the government in the allocation and ownership of national resources.
Balancing International Organizations and the National Interest
Moderator(s):Dr. Olajide Oloyede
As development needs in African nations has continued to grow, many nations have sought assistance from international financial institutions and foreign nations. This assistance is conditional, and imposes criteria for development that is viewed as unfavorable by African nations. As the International Monetary Fund (IMF) and World Bank continue to “assist” African Nations, what is in the national interest of most countries is brought into question. How can the needs of African governments, citizens, and the international community be reconciled in the midst of IMF and World bank assistance?
Is China a Sustainable Influence?
Moderator(s):Danna Harman
China is rapidly buying up Africa's oil, natural resources, and agricultural goods, in order to fuel China's rapidly growing economy. Currently, trade between China and Africa constitutes 10% of Africa's overall trade. As a result, sub-Saharan Africa's GDP has increased by 4.4% annually. Despite economic growth throughout the continent, lingering questions remain as to whether China is a sustainable influence throughout Africa. This workshop seeks to understand whether China is a needed trade and investment partner for African nations.
Africa's Voice in Society: Education and Technology
Moderator(s):Gisele Yitamben
Amidst Africa's developing society, education is defined by cultural differences, such as religion and basic societal values. Since, the time of colonialism traditional systems of education and technology have been replaced by the system of the colonizer. As a result, post-colonial Africa looks to balance outside institutions and systems of knowledge with internal capacities and modes of advancement. Has Africa continued to influence and shape knowledge and values on the continent or have these tools of shaping society been imposed from the outside?