Africa has 1 of the fastest growing economies in the world, has come thru the recession almost unscathed, is becoming more stable, ect. We try, halfheartedly, to hold them back but the fact is Africa is rising and China is behind it.
Africa has 1 of the fastest growing economies in the world, has come thru the recession almost unscathed, is becoming more stable, ect. We try, halfheartedly, to hold them back but the fact is Africa is rising and China is behind it.
And in 20 years, when China's economy is insulated by them, they will call in the debt, taking us out and keeping their own economy strong.
America's only hope, short of radical economic change, provided that is indeed a view of the future, is to make these will-haves reliant on its economy.
On that note, we have a way in. Kenya, with 1 of their own (and no I'm not a Birther as you well know, just stating a fact) in the White House, we have the leverage to get a good trade deal with them. Once established in Kenya, we'll have our economic foot in Africa's front door.
Guess Starbucks will then be able to charge less for their coffee? Or will they?
By the way, Africa's front door is not Kenya. It really are the stronger economies, South Africa of which stands out. Tanzania would also be a good place to a certain agree. Also, I would think very seriously about Ethiopia. Violent crime as well as terrorism are real threats for Americans in Kenya. Ethiopia have very positive can-do citizens and fertile land, some areas that still need to be discovered. Kenya is TROUBLE in big capital letters.
Right now Americans do not have much trust from Africans. Rwanda is still very fresh in everybody's memories. Perception is that American priorities are the Middle East, which I believe is the right place for America to be and to everyone's advantage in the world. So the US would have very little energy left to send troops and major support for their economic trade deals to Africa. Any trade deals in Africa, would come with very definite security risks.
Last edited:
Kenya is a stabilizing pro-West liberal democracy. Ethiopia is a stabilizing but hardline-Christian nation ruled by a brutal dictatorship who's only redeeming quality is being pro-West. Both have growing economies and stabilizing gov'ts.
I say this with respect to Kenyans who are hard workers, but the majority in comparison with Ethiopia would be less educated and less hard working. The work ethic and culture are very different. I understand what you are saying, is prevalent thought. But maybe it is a little too theoretical and fails to look at what really matters when trade invests in another country. They need a good work force, a safe environment and a really positive work ethic. Kenya has nice people, I really like the Kenyans, but compared with the Ethiopians, if you want quality workers, that would be the country to move to. Since Ethiopia has a dictatorship, it could potentially also be more safe, than the very wonky leadership in Kenya.
Actually, there's usually a higher crime rate under dictatorships. Also, a greater threat of militant anti-authoritarian rebels. So violence could be more prevalent.
Not sure that that is the case with Ethiopia, except for Eritrea. I would call it a country along libertarian socialism lines, as you have previously explained it. People are also completely different.
Similar threads
