First is that the surge in commodity prices – oil, copper, gold and foodstuffs – in the last several years has fuelled African exports and increased export revenue. The state of Africa has three factors at the core of its revival, according to Dambisa Moyo. It seeks to address the billions in Aid which have hampered, stifled and retarded Africa’s development. The ‘maybe’ controversial book carries an important message about the state of African countries relying so much on aid. Dead Aid is the story of post-war development policy and aid-free solutions for development. Afua Yakohene, mentioned the book that carries an important message for Africans and African policymakers, and for those in the West and broader international community who truly wish to see Africa progress.

My first year in the ‘Africa in world politics’ class at the University of Ghana was the first time I heard of ‘Dead Aid’ written by economist Dambisa Moyo. For the real discussion and content of the great book, my colleague Khadijah Iddrisu (Associate Director of Initiative for Youth Development), a participant in the discussion, gives us an expert review of the book. But that is another matter for discussion on another day. We are not honest in everything we do as a people. When was my turn to speak, I offered a pedestrian point that we Africans are far behind on the development ladder because of one simple truth: we are just not honest. Last week, I joined for discussion of the book Dead Aid – why aid is not working in Africa and how there is a better way for Africa, a book written by Zambian economist Dambisa-Moyo. So, discussions happen on the Zoom platform and this has been favorable to me, as I have gotten the chance to join in some monthly sessions.

With the dreaded COVID-19 pandemic’s advent, discussions had to be moved onto a virtual platform in order to observe the protocols. The others include Becoming by Michelle Obama The Water Dancer by Ta-Nehisi Coates and many wonderful titles which are thought-shaping and life-impacting. Some of the books that have been read and discussed so far include but are not limited to: Born a Crime – Stories from a South African Childhood (an autobiography by the South African comedian Trevor Noah) We Should all be feminists (a 64-page book by Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie that argues all should embrace feminism) Think Big by Ben Carson and Not That Bad by Roxane Gay. And it has been a journey of reading great books, interaction with great minds, conversations with sages and men who shook the world, and an eye-opening activity for participants. It has been almost three years since I got to know about this wonderful initiative, and though I could not join in the monthly discussions I got copies of the books.

Dambisa moyo aid