2013-05-21T18:16:10-04:00 Amb. Robin Renee Sanders http://www.huffingtonpost.com/author/index.php?author=amb-robin-renee-sanders Copyright 2008, HuffingtonPost.com, Inc. HuffingtonPost Blogger Feed for Amb. Robin Renee Sanders Good old fashioned elbow grease. tag:www.huffingtonpost.com,2013:/theblog//3.2995658 2013-04-02T11:57:31-04:00 2013-04-02T11:57:36-04:00

Amb. Robin Renee Sanders http://www.huffingtonpost.com/amb-robin-renee-sanders/ A FEEEDS Series blogspot

Since May 2010, I have suggested re-coining the term BRICs which, as we all know, focuses on the economic prowess and growth rates of Brazil, Russia, India, China and in Africa only South Africa. BRICA would be more inclusive of the success and influence of other African nations which are enjoying positive growth rates at 5% or more, larger than South Africa's 2012 estimated 3.5 per cent growth rate, projected to remain similar for 2013.

Botswana, for example, has maintained a double digit growth rate for the last 10 years; Ghana is still projected to be the fastest growing economy in the region for 2013 at 8 per cent; Mozambique, Nigeria, Rwanda, Angola, Tanzania, and Zambia all enjoyed high single digit growth last year in the 5-7 per cent range, with projections to stay on course in 2013.

Hence, the "A" in BRICA would represent these other high-GDP African countries and leave room for other Africa nations to be included in this new paradigm, or "new think" economic club. These nations will all progress forward, and build strategic alliances without the traditional "developed" world. This is a good thing, and "developed" nations, particularly the U.S., need to pay more attention. Economic alliances do breed political and strategic ones; thus, on future geo-political issues the U.S. could get left out in the cold on issues where the BRICS might align.

A Lesson in Strategic Long-Term Planning:

In the U.S., we do not pay enough attention to long-term strategic planning; China on the other hand does, with new President Xi Jinping not missing a beat on his first foreign trip -- including not one, but three African stops. It would also seem that Russia and Brazil get the doctrine of building long term country friendships in Africa better than we do. The U.S. is coming to the party late in building long term strategic economic relationships with Africa. We are doing better, but are not where we should be. The juxtaposition of having a group White House meeting for four African nations when the BRICS Summit was going on seemed a bit incongruous.

The just concluded 5th BRICS Summit in Durban, South Africa, achieved its goal by further spotlighting the economic importance of the Africa region. Media and institutions from The Economist to McKinsey have talked about Africa's Rising economic leadership, especially when the rest of world is struggling - Europe's non-recovery and America's snail-paced one. But as we enter 2013, let's recap the headline: 7 of the world's 10 fastest growing economies are in Sub Saharan Africa (SSAfrica).

In addition to all the presidents of BRICS countries attending, 15 African Heads of State also where in Durban. In case you missed it, here are some of the "new think" paradigm shifting key factoids out of the Durban reported by France 24, CCTV, and Al Jazeera during the 4-day event:

BRICS Represent:

-- 25 per cent of FDI from Russia, China and India goes to Africa;

-- 25 per cent of the world's economy/GDP;

-- 17 per cent of global trade;

-- 50 per cent of global economic growth;

-- $200 billion trade value amongst them.

BRICS Initiatives:

-- BRICS are creating a Development Bank focused on infrastructure, with a common currency pool to assist with development and loans as an alternative to the IMF and other international financial institutions; where the Banks HQ is going to be remains undecided;

-- BRICS Development Bank would seek to have $100 billion in capitalization;

-- China to give Africa 20 billion in loans over next few years;

-- BRICS Business Council and BRICS Think Tank efforts further developed; and,

-- China and Brazil discuss a $30 million currency swap.

On top of the BRICS-related news, the average 2012 collective growth rate for SSAfrica is hovering between 5.8-7 per cent with the The Economist and World Bank forecasting this to be the case for the Region for the next 20 years. Banks on the Continent are also improving their macroeconomic picture with many of them making the 2013 Best Emerging Market Bank list of Global Finance Magazine, as they have improved their asset growth, profitability, strategic relationships, customer service, competitive pricing, and innovative products. For the Region, Nigeria's ECO Bank is being hailed as the winner for the upcoming 2013 awards event.

Lean Forward: What's Next:

Of course the watch words are what is next and how will Sub-Saharan Africa's proposed economic prowess trickle down to reach its most poor. Resources in the proposed BRICS Development Bank slated for Africa's infrastructure, agriculture, and education will need to actually reach and change the quality of life of the intended, and impact the most needy. Although the BRICS positive economic news is top of the line, we cannot lose sight of some of the staggering SSAfrica demographics:

-- 1.5 billion people continue to live on $1.25 to $2.00 per day;

-- 2.7 in 2011 to 2.8% in 2012 per capita rates - a small increase, when UN notes minimum rate needs to be 3% per capita just to inch above the poverty line;

-- 133 million young people in the Region who cannot read (CCTV news);

-- 239 million in sub-Saharan Africa go hungry daily; 26 per cent of this figure are children says 2011 World Hunger and Poverty Facts;

-- 8.2 million children in West Africa are affected by food security or are malnourished (CCTV Africa news);

-- 4 of the top countries on the world list of nations with the largest economic income disparities and inequities amongst their population are in SSAfrica - Namibia, Botswana, Lesotho, and South Africa; South Africa reportedly has the highest income disparity in the world according to CCTV;

-- 1 in 4 Africans only have access to electricity, and intra-African trade is only about 10 per cent of total exports;

-- 5 countries in SSAfrica where mid-ranked on the 2012 Transparency International's (TI) Corruption Index (Botswana, Cape Verde, Mauritius, Rwanda, and the Seychelles); not a lot given that there are 48 countries; the rest of the countries fell below 50 per cent on 100 point upward scale;

-- 30% of the region has paved roads or working railways, a very low percentage given the Region's vast size;

-- 9-10 of the Region's countries, I would put on the political concern list because of either insecurity or governance issues (Mali, Central Africa Republic, the two Sudans, Eastern DRC, Guinea Bissau, Somalia, Cote d'Ivoire, and parts of Northeastern Nigeria; Kenya's post-election uncertainty could add it to the list).

This is by no means an exhaustive list, but it helps keep things in perspective for the challenges, we all hope the BRICS (or BRICA) resources will address. These are also the areas that need more focus and resources from the "developed world," if it wants to remain viable as the BRICS nation lean forward with their "new think" paradigm on how to do things and how to get things done.]]> tag:www.huffingtonpost.com,2012:/theblog//3.2253551 2012-12-10T14:00:25-05:00 2013-02-09T05:12:01-05:00

Amb. Robin Renee Sanders http://www.huffingtonpost.com/amb-robin-renee-sanders/ A FEEEDS blogspot

The developing world and emerging countries such as China and India are far ahead of the U.S. and Europe in creating services available to mobile phone users -- providing technology-based empowerment (or e-empowerment) to customers who typically fall outside of formal sectors such as banking.

Mobile services such as sharing credits, providing cash, paying bills, supporting small and medium (SME's) enterprises, and sharing health information from HIV/AIDS to prenatal care -- all have become the order of the day for many in the developing world. In fact mobile phones in Africa, China, and Asia have become cradles of innovation for mobile services; mobile phones are used less for talking, and more today as platforms to support daily living, and improving quality of life. Today nearly half of the world's population has access to mobile phones, both pre-paid and post-paid services, growing from fewer than 1 billion in 2000 to over 6 billion, of which nearly 5 billion units are in the developing world.

Africa -- The Most Wired Continent:

Africa hails right now as the continent with the most mobile phone users topping the list with around 649 million subscribers making it the most wireless region in the world. This represents about 65 percent penetration of the region's population, with future users at year's end and into 2013 reaching 735 million. Nigeria reportedly leads the way with more than 100 million subscribers. China follows but also has the unique distinction of adding 8 million new mobile phone subscribers per month, while India pulls in about 7 million new subscribers per month. These sheer numbers have produced unique e-services, turning the mobile phone into a life line for many people living at the poverty level or striving to enter the lower and middle income tiers. As more people in these regions move into the middle class, more services will be available to them on their mobile phones. In addition to mobile services the application world (or apps) in these regions has also exploded. According to Information and Communications for Development 2012, more than 30 billion "apps" were downloaded in 2011. One interesting factoid which underscores Bangladeshi cellphone czar Igbal Quadir who said "connectivity is productivity," a 2005 London Business School report said that when 10 people out of 100 use a mobile phone GDP rises about .59 percent

Innovative Mobile E-Services:

Here is a look at some of the e-empowerment uses of mobile phone-based services that underscore the innovative paradigm shift taking place in the developing and emerging worlds over the West in mobile technology services.

Let's start with subsistence agriculture for small farm holders -- a sector which employs most in developing world. In countries like Benin, Tanzania, and Kenya small holder farmers are able to get commodity prices and yield information on their phones determining where best to sell their goods -- e-empowering rural farmers who use their mobile phones like a mini mercantile exchange. There are apps such as TradeNet, now available in 17 countries, providing information about agricultural goods and micro-insurance for agriculture products, while the "iCow" app -- billed as "the world's first mobile phone cow calendar," uses text messaging and voice services to track gestation for dairy farmers and give tips on breeding and cow nutrition.

Mobile Financial Services and Banking for the Unbanked:

Some of the greatest out of the box efforts from Ghana to Bangladesh in mobile services have been in mobile financial and banking services for the unbanked (meaning mobile customers not in the formal banking sector). For example, an array of cloud-based secure financial services for SME's are coming on line for mobile phones, particularly for keeping track of credit scores, data sharing with micro finance institutions, and accountancy applications. These mobile services help better managing resources and save money for the small business person. In Venture , with offices in Bangalore, M-Cloud IT Solutions in Ghana, and Cloud Kenya are just a few services, which help SMEs manage and save resources.

Both feature phones (non-smart), and smart phones in the developing and emerging worlds are sporting enhanced SIM cards which allows for a range of payments for household and business expenses, or provides credits to send cash to family. Users can also turn over minutes to a cell phone vendor, who in turn gives the equivalent amount of cash to a designated individual, minus a small fee. With enhanced SIM cards, mobile phone owners can go to kiosks, bars, or small restaurants to get credits added to their SIM cards, or transfer money such as with M-Pesa in Kenya. In South Africa these are called a variety of things from "bank shops" to "banks of corrugated metal" to "kiosk banks." Companies like Safricom, Vodafone, MTN, Standard Charter, Western Union, Visa and others are taking advantage of these platforms to reach new customers. The key is that even with less technology-enhanced feature phones someone with a daily budget as low as $2-10 per day can up their phone credits or pay their household bills. Zoona, with agents functioning like ATM's in Zambia, Zimbabwe, Mozambique, and Malawi, allow people to store savings, receive insurance payouts, and repay loans.

In Bangladesh, there is an eBay like mobile service called Cellbazaar, known as "market in your pocket" listing mobile numbers of those looking to buy or sell everything from rice to a goat, while in Palestine, Souktel's JobMatch service is helping young people find jobs.

Mobile Services: Education and Health Also in the Mix:

In South Africa MoMath, launched by Nokia, is teaching mathematics via a teaching tool on Africa's Mxit social media platform, while Info Dev, a Finnish Government-Nokia collaboration, has established five regional mobile innovation labs (mLabs) in Armenia, Kenya, Pakistan, South Africa, and Vietnam, using social networking to bring entrepreneurs together with stakeholders in mobile hubs or mHubs. On health care, Medic Mobile is helping provide prenatal care to rural mothers in Malawi using text messaging, and USAID, Johnson & Johnson, and mHealth have developed the text-based Mobile Alliance for Maternal Action (MAMA) providing information from swaddling to breast-feeding to over 20 million expectant and new mothers in 35 countries (e.g. South Africa, Indonesia and Bangladesh).

It is clear that south-south countries are far advance in using mobile services, and also creating new ways to address poverty, raise standards of living, and improve socio-economic issues in innovative ways. We in the West certainly need to play catch-up!]]> tag:www.huffingtonpost.com,2012:/theblog//3.2084087 2012-11-07T21:09:23-05:00 2013-01-07T05:12:01-05:00

Amb. Robin Renee Sanders http://www.huffingtonpost.com/amb-robin-renee-sanders/
The frame, or view about Africa, certainly by many Americans, mostly still focuses on the negative. This does not diminish the serious challenges in the region. But, every world region has tough issues today, including the U.S. as we are very much a politically-divided nation, managing tough economic, security, and social issues. The call to "Reframe Africa," means redirecting the lens on region so it is more balanced, comprehensive. Avoid swiping the entire region with one negative cloth, but encouraging the economic growth in a fair manner, engaging transparently and with realistic expectations. Unfortunately, however, many African people, despite living in resource-rich countries, are not benefiting from the economic boon, remain impoverished, with high unemployment, struggling with health and education issues, and failing to meet the UN's Millennium Development Goals.

The Challenges: Although these which will be addressed in more detail in a Part II blog spot, it is important to summarize here. Realpolitik analyses and solutions on current crises areas, (e.g., Mali, Kenya's littoral, Nigeria's northwest, Guinea Bissau's instability, South Africa's mining sector, and Tanzania's Zanzibar, are a must-do, along with improved democratic leadership, and a reduction in corruption. Long lasting solutions that do not call for the annihilation of one group or another must be discussed. The old public diplomacy tool about building "mutual understanding" (which is not a do-as-I-say-discussion, but a real conversation) among disparate groups about contentious issues needs to come back en vogue. Let's begin with the positive value-chain contributions:

Africa's Global Positive Value-Chain Contributions

• Positive Economic & GDP Growth Rates


• Increase FDI


• Equity Funds & Investments


• Capital Markets Reset

Economic stories by leading media and research institutions in 2012 from The Economist and Financial Times to McKinsey all have highlighted the checklist above about Africa's rising economic leadership, especially when the rest of world is struggling. But as we approach year's end, let's recap the headline: Seven of the world's 15 fastest growing economies are in SSAfrica.

• Botswana has maintained double digit growth rate the last 10 years;


• Ghana is projected to reach 8 percent, which would making it the continent's fastest growing economy;


• Mozambique, Nigeria, Rwanda, Angola, and Zambia are in the 5-7 percent range.

Hence, South Africa should not be the sole African country highlighted in the much coined acronym BRICS (use to underscore the economic prowess of Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa). I have said before that BRICS should be re-coined to BRICA to be more inclusive of the success, influence, and economic growth rates of a number of African countries over the last three years. World Bank is projecting for 2013 a collective average economic growth rate for SSAfrica of 5.7 percent, possibly remaining in that range over the next 20 years. Basically this proves that other African countries should be let into the BRICS house.

Foreign Direct Investment: The continent's FDI in early 2012 rose over $68 billion, while projected FDI estimates for 2015 are $150 billion. China (infrastructure) and India (ICT/manufacturing) respectively are leading the way on both FDI and trade, with Brazil, Canada, and Japan not far behind. The U.S. still lags, but has picked up its game in 2012.

Equity Funds: Creation of Africa-focused equity funds on business, infrastructure, ICT, agriculture, health as well as diaspora funds like Homestrings are at an all-time high. The Wall Street Journal notes 79 Africa-focused equity funds have been established in the last five years, paying five to six times earnings after taxes, depreciation, and amortization.

Examples are Helios, Old Mutual Pan Africa, Bob Geldof's CDC 8 Mile African Fund, Aureos Africa Health Fund, and, Ghana-based Africa Agriculture Fund (AAF), raising $30 million at first close on its small-medium enterprises sub-vehicle.

Reset of Africa's Capital Markets: Africa's capital markets are just now getting the attention they deserve. From Zambia and Namibia to Nigeria and Senegal, these emerging and frontier markets are doing well. Foreign institutional and private investors are looking for growth areas to combat Europe's downturn and America's snail-like recovery, and have recognized Africa as the place to be. Stock market indexes in Uganda, Rwanda, Nigeria, Kenya, and Namibia are up 33 percent in 2012 in local currency terms.

Other Key Economic Factoids:

• Collective projected GDP is expected to reach 2.6 trillion by 2020



• Debt dropped from 82 percent to 59 percent of GDP over the last five years



• Inflation dropped continent-wide from 22 percent to 8 percent, with many countries in low double digits in this tough global economy



• Middle class is approximately 331 million, translating into growing consumers with purchasing power



• Households discretionary income is projected to rise by 50 percent over next ten years



• African diaspora remittances are up over the last five years adding to GDP growth, according to informal channels, accounting for 73 percent of the worldwide total remittance since 2005



• Growth sectors are agriculture; infrastructure, housing, manufacturing, ICT (SSAfrica mobile users are more than 100 million, with Nigeria, South Africa, Kenya, and Ghana leading the way

These positive economic indicators definitely call for a reframing of Africa, as a multi-dimensional region with both positive stories, and challenges. Blog spot Part II will address the challenges.]]> tag:www.huffingtonpost.com,2012:/theblog//3.1319819 2012-03-06T14:31:56-05:00 2012-05-06T05:12:01-04:00

Amb. Robin Renee Sanders http://www.huffingtonpost.com/amb-robin-renee-sanders/ FEEEDS, FE3DS series

What is a Public-Private Partnership (PPP) and what value does this development paradigm have for Africa? Public-private partnerships (PPPs) can take many forms, and can be projects and programs not just with the private sector. PPPs are one of the more innovative ways to address development, economic growth, unemployment and training (particularly for African youth, and women), and also can serve as a better mechanism to assist both African Small and Medium sized Enterprises (SME's), as well as a more propitious way to engage the dynamic African Diaspora. Traditionally, PPPs in general are defined as an agreement (Memorandum or Contractual) for resources (financial and human, or a mix) between private and public sector entities. Organizations like the National Council on Public Private Partnerships (NCPPP) says a PPP exists through an "agreement [when] the skills and assets of each sector (public and private) are shared in delivering a service or facility for the use of the general public ... including sharing the risks and rewards in the delivery of the service or facility."

Although we are seeing a lot of improvements in the types of PPPs, there remains a lot more room for improvement and creating non-traditional PPPs. For Africa, as long as donors have been in the development game, many (not all) of the past development models have produced little-to-no sustainable success nor provided a lot of long-lasting results that fundamentally changed peoples' lives and country challenges.

For Africa today, changing peoples' lives is so critical, especially given the future demographics that are on horizon there. In using the year 2050 as a pivotal timeframe or value proposition year, let's look at a few of the looming stats on Africa's population and where the critical fault lines are, which will call for more and different types of development executed at a faster pace:

1. Africa will be the most populous continent in the world, with a population of over 2.1 billion;



2. Youth workforce between the ages of 15-34 will be in excess of 1.1 billion -- surpassing China and India's workforce;



3. Between now and 2050, nearly 3 million new people become new entrants onto the continent's poverty matrix;



4. Africa will see its middle class continue to grow at a rate of 34.3% or more, possibly tripling its current 313 million middle classers;

Therefore what are the best development paradigms to assist the African public and private sectors and their communities with these key demographic issues? PPPs are a way to help, but we must get the right mix when creating them so they are not one-off wonders.

So let's start with widening our PPP lens as to what a PPP is and be more creative about the players and the types.

Let's Add Another P to the PPP Paradigm:

Innovation, Cutting-Edge Thinking, Adding New Players

Innovation -- New partnerships need to be created, particularly with SMEs, MMEs (enterprises with less than 10 people), and the African Diaspora. A good example of this is the African Diaspora Market Place project, or ADM. ADM is a new partnership which includes NGOs, a U.S. private sector company and its foundation, and USAID focusing strictly on helping and providing grants to Diasporan SMEs.

Cutting-Edge Thinking -- A number of creative programs are cropping up such as: the General Mills-USAID effort using PEPFAR-HIV/AIDS monies to increase capacity of African food companies; International Finance Corporation's (IFC) work with the Nigerian State of Cross River addressing hospital delivery services, and the International Fund for Agricultural Development's (IFAD) work in Kenya on small farm holder horticulture projects.

Adding New Partners to the PPP Matrix -- Stepping out of the traditional public-to-private sector framework, PPPs today should and can look quite different. In fact we should be expanding the model more to include:

A.) Public Sector-to-Public Sector: Partnerships between in-country public sector entities or a public-to-public sector project where a cross-fertilization of budget resources among public sector entities can be used for a synergistic program. For example, Housing and Power Ministries could combine parts of their budgets to provide affordable, energy-efficient housing. In this case, the African public sector entities are both donor and stakeholder.

B.) Donor-to-African sub-sovereign: Donor partnerships that are directed to states/districts/parishes with in a country, or toward municipalities, or community governments -- basically any governing body below Federal. Some donors are just beginning to look at this, particularly if there is good governance by local leadership.

C.) NGO-to-public sector: NGOs should begin to look more at working with any of the sub-sovereign public entities noted above, particularly in the area of community training -- keeping in mind that partnerships also can include community in-kind contributions.

D.) NGOs-to-private sector: This is an area where Africare is leading the way as we have a number of private sector partnerships. Africare's $1.5 million Coke Cola Company-funded South African HIV/AIDS clinic; our work with ExxonMobil to assist Chad women making shea butter; policy seminars with Chevron; and, a Benin water-sanitation project for schools with African vocalist Angelique Kojo, are just a few examples of innovative efforts, cutting-edge thinking, and adding new partners to the PPP paradigm.

What are the Positives of PPP and PPPP's:

So maybe we need 4 P's (PPPP) -- or a quadruple P -- instead of just three to describe these new kinds of partnerships, but what are the challenges to success? For success, the following elements are critical: the right mix of partners, risk-sharing, sufficient resources, agreed upon outcomes, leadership commitment, and above all stakeholder buy-in/contribution. What does this mean? Fundamentally, a positive outcome is unlikely if somewhere along the partnership link noted above there is (to use a common phrase differently) a value chain problem. For example, my team in Nigeria and I moved some of our partnership efforts to the sub-sovereign level, meaning working with several of Nigeria's states on specific sector development in both agriculture and education. In some cases we had great successes, and in others not because one or more of the links in the PPP value chain failed.

In the end, the partners have to believe in each other, know each other well, and be willing to make project adjustments as needed in order to move past the one-off wonders, and truly add more value and impact to the PPP development paradigm for Africa so that by 2050 sustainability can be achieved.]]> tag:www.huffingtonpost.com,2011:/theblog//3.1132696 2011-12-06T20:36:52-05:00 2012-02-05T05:12:01-05:00

Amb. Robin Renee Sanders http://www.huffingtonpost.com/amb-robin-renee-sanders/ A FEEEDS/FE3DS blogspot

The Durban Climate Change (CC) meeting of the Conference of Parties' 17th Session and 7th Conference of Paris (better known as COP 17 & CM7) is a follow on from Cancun (see 12/2010 Africa Post, TAP - bit.ly/cccancun) which did not move a lot of things forward on key environmental issues ranging from CO2 emissions (average CO2-eq per person is about 4tons per year), carbon sequestration (carbon credits), land and water resource management.* (http://bit.ly/carfoot)

The important fact that the climate change conference is taking place on the African continent for the first time should not just boil down to its mere presence in Durban, but just like key sub-Saharan African economies are emerging, Africa's emerging voice on climate change policy is vital to a number of future developmental areas, not least of which is food security -- including all of its pillars from food production to improving the continent's ability to feed itself and using renewables to spur better agricultural energy use. However, do Africa's agriculture, environment and energy ministers talk to each other? And, why aren't more agricultural ministers included in the climate change discussion and vice versa? This needs to happen, but it is not -- at least not regularly or in a comprehensive manner.

Most experts recognize that both food security and climate change are affecting the continent more than any other region of the world. The food security-climate change linkage for Africa hopefully will be heavily on the table in Durban as these symbiotic impact indicators need to be addressed together. Food security specialists from development organizations and civil society (CSOs) to policy makers need to build climate change solutions into their programs. Africa climate change leaders and activists need not forget that the lack of progress on key environmental issues will continue to affect the Continent's progress to resolve its food security challenges.

What are some of linkages and innovative ways to address these linkages? There are a number of positives noted below, which need to be more broadly implemented with country-specific adaptation on top of the need to create more new solutions. Some of the smart linkages that are being made connecting the symbiotic relationship between food security and climate change include:

-- Renewable options for water such as wind or solar-powered drip irrigation, including considering storage of power gained through battery innovative techniques like those being used by companies like AES in West Virginia;**

--Hybrid seeds that help crops withstand climate stresses such as drought, which can also lead to new usages for traditional crops such as protein-enhanced cassava (I have visited donor-supported agribusinesses in Kano, Nigeria that adds cow peas to enhance protein in cassava flour);

--Localize agribusiness supply chain by using small farm holders or cooperative crops, reducing transport energy, and manufacturing costs; and,

-- Climate change-smart agricultural production, which helps reduce the impact on the environment such as bio-char (the process of burning plant-based remnants and making charcoal that is then used as renewable fertilizer in places like Congo, and Benin's Songhai Integrative Farms). The Congo project also obtains carbon credits on CO2 emissions which also further helps overall energy challenges -- not just in the country but over the long term for our global community.

These are just a few examples of the things being done that demonstrate the importance of focusing more on Africa's symbiotic food security-climate change relationship. These global impact indicators -- food security and climate change (see 2/3/11 TAP blogspot - http://bit.ly/AF-Food) -- should be addressed together to better identify solution-driven processes, usages, and outcomes, like those noted above, that respond simultaneously to the challenges of both these issues for Africa's future and that will assist the people of Africa have a better enabling environment for overall development. African women small farmers from 10 countries calling themselves "Rural Women Assembly," demonstrated in Durban December 3, 2011, on just this point -- linking the affects of climate change on their ability to feed their families.***

What to Do?

The UN General Assembly this year called for improvement in sustainable energy by making 2012 the "International Year of Sustainable Energy," with the goal of providing access to modern forms of energy, particularly for emerging markets and the developing world by 2030. But, if we do not improve our current efforts not only will this "sustainability" goal not be meet for Africa, but the food security-climate change symbiotic link will continue to be exacerbated as Africa's population is expected to reach 1.9 billion by 2030, and 2 billion by 2050.**** Modern forms of energy use (some already noted above) must be link to addressing food security solutions.

Thus, we need to be more Food Security-Climate Change Smart through innovation, Africa-focused research and development like what is being done at Ghana's new bio tech facility, and by expanding the discussion circle so that both agriculture and environment policy makers, CSOs and development entities begin to come together and share in the same international, regional, community, and village fora to address these two global impact indicators.



* See carbon footprint details @ http://bit.ly/carfoot
**Energy Now 11/13/11
*** AFP 12/3/2011 - Joe, Hood
****2050 population estimates from "This is Africa," Sept/Oct edition 2011.

]]> tag:www.huffingtonpost.com,2011:/theblog//3.1115433 2011-11-29T12:48:03-05:00 2012-01-29T05:12:01-05:00

Amb. Robin Renee Sanders http://www.huffingtonpost.com/amb-robin-renee-sanders/
What does FEEEDS/FE3DS® mean?

-- Food Security - meaning availability and access to not just food but nutritional food;

-- Education - representing the entire range of education from knowledge learning to knowledge management to knowledge usage, which also includes training, retraining , entrepreneurship (SMEs), and formal education;

-- Environment-Energy - enabling environments for communities to thrive, as well as a focus and realization of the importance of renewable energy and alternative energy resources;

-- Economics - enhancing living wages, and on the macro level, ensuring governments, and community leaderships manage budgets and tax payer dollars not only effectively, but efficiently in order to address social service needs;

-- Democracy-Development - linking these two symbiotic issues are key to improving life-quality, especially for people of color; and,

--Self-Help - realizing that identity for anyone provides self esteem, but for nations and people of color this also represents both power and empowerment.

In Pursuit of Change:

What and how do we proceed in communicating or educating our diverse world population (now@7 billion) on the challenges of these global human FEEEDS® issues? How do we overcome or shift the paradigms that have been pre-scripted for our families, our communities, and for some nations? There are things that are pre-destined, but the negatives on FEEEDS® are not; thus we can help change these negatives.

Let's begin with communicating and educating about the challenges:

Food Security: Most of the world population, particularly of color, and especially women and children, fail to get enough nutritional food to eat every single day. Most of us have heard the adage that many things in life are about "quality not quantity;" thus, this adage also applies to food security. There is a lack of consumption of the key food groups not just daily, but at every meal for many global communities. What we seem to be missing is the focus on and access to good nutrition. The examples seen around the world in communities, particularly those of color are similar as regards to food security, with the seminal issue being: access to nutritional food.

The FEEEDS/FE3DS® Enabling Platforms: What are they?

1.) Education: Although many global challenges are connected to FEEEDS/FE3DS®, the way forward on many issues is education, specifically training (also vocational), retraining, formal education, entrepreneurship (SMEs), knowledge sharing, usage and management, discussion, and creative and enterprising development and design solutions, particularly for youth and women. We need to think of education as our new Frontier Enterprise where dynamic development design strategies are created to respond to FEEEDS. Education is not static, and includes more than just basic and/or formal education.

2.) Environment-Energy: These two issues are linked, and we should focus on the need to improve both sectors. Simply put -- they are symbiotic and affect quality of life. Here community is being used in the big "C" sense -- meaning at the family, local, state and sovereign levels. The environment is both where you live, and how you live in your community. Where one lives must provide an "enabling atmosphere" where one feels safe and confident to thrive as a person or a culture. We must also take the responsibility to treat the living nature around us with more respect. This includes using and advocating for renewable energy, particularly using alternative resources for daily living. Here knowledge sharing will be important even on the simple things like knowing which action is greener than another. Here is a simple test: Is plastic or glass recycling greener; is flying at night greener than day flying; and, is wearing organic cotton greener than wearing recycled bamboo? (answers appear at the end.)

3.) Economics: Economics plays a key role in everything -- personal, family, community, and government. If the economic sure-footing is not present then it detracts from progress, vision and future planning. Enhancing living wages, ensuring government leaderships manage budgets and tax payer monies effectively and efficiently to address social service needs -- are part of the fundamentals. A reliable, stable economic environment is not only empowering, but powerful and is a pillar of both a strong government, and personal identity, where self-reliance and self-esteem are the order of the day.

4.) Development-Democracy: There is also a linkage of these two themes because democracy -- as defined as transparent rules, regulations, stable institutions, and equal access to social services -- are a "must-have" to develop communities and address global human values, and improve life-quality -- all hallmarks of democracy.

5.) Self-Help: Self-help, a pillar of leadership, is the center-beam. Countries should not always want (or expect) outsiders to always provide, guide, direct, or frame (meaning explain and resolve through their world lens) what the responses to FEEEDS® are. These issues for many nations will need to be driven by country-specific self-help by way of innovative, creative, and sometimes culturally-specific means.

Green answers: Recycled glass over plastic requires less energy as recycled plastic continues to degrade in quality; flying during the day; organic cotton over bamboo (Source Washington D.C. NBC local news 9/25/2011).
]]> tag:www.huffingtonpost.com,2011:/theblog//3.990011 2011-10-02T15:42:59-04:00 2011-12-02T05:12:04-05:00

Amb. Robin Renee Sanders http://www.huffingtonpost.com/amb-robin-renee-sanders/ FEEEDS/FE3DS Series
Last year, 2010, I had a wish list for Nigeria@50, a milestone in the life of any nation, which was published in Leadership, the Guardian and a number of other Nigerian newspapers. Leadership has asked me to review that summer 2010 list to see which wishes, in my personal opinion, have come true and which ones are still things to be realized or are in progress. Although I am no longer living in Nigeria at this time, I personally continue to wish the people of this great nation the very best @51 years as it weathers and seeks to manage some difficult security issues. That being said, one huge part of that July 2010 list, which I never wavered on, and that has come to fruition was a free and democratic election, that Nigerians could be proud of -- which by accounts of many international observers happened in April 2011.

Other things on that list -- rebuilding agriculture, enhancing transparency, fighting corruption -- still represent challenges but are being worked. In a July 2010 speech, I wrote that Nigeria was"@the point where the road to change should be paved with more action on food security, improved education (particularly for the country's nearly 70 million youth & 74 million women), the environment, energy needs, and development," what I have referred to as the FEEEDS® issues over the last year. I will say now, as I did then, that every generation should be a force for change, and every year a marker of progress. So in this 51st year, many Nigerians are working to change the paradigm on the FEEEDS® issues and on past perceptions of the nation by the public abroad. I will continue to do my part to help in these areas. This does not diminish the present serious security issues because they are a reality of the world today, and we all must work together to make the world, and Nigeria safer. I know there are a number of partners working with Nigeria to address these challenges. In the same July 2010 speech, I noted that I wanted to fast forward to summer 2011 when I had just finished reading my Nigerian newspapers which were full of articles about how proud many (did not say all) Nigerians were of their election. This was the case.

In the last two quarters of 2011, Nigeria's economic growth is being heralded by many financial experts, with some pundits citing BRICA countries, of which Nigeria is one, serving as examples to struggling Western economies. Nigeria's agriculture has an uptick of 7-8%, but most recognize there is so much more potential in this area; energy still is one of the key challenging linchpins for Nigeria's development; and most investors are beginning to appreciate the incredible market that Nigeria offers (although American investments lag behind that of China and India in the region). According to recent press reports, the President of the African Development Bank (ADB), Donald Kaberuka, said last week in Washington D.C., during the annual fall meetings of the World Bank Group, that many African nations have "been there and done that" to address some of the economic challenges they faced 2-3 years ago. Nigeria is a good example of this, particularly as regards to banking reform. Your present security challenges I know are at the top of the list of issues to address. I also send my condolences to the families of those who have lost loved ones in the recent security environment.

Today in your 51st year, I remain a supporter of your democratic destiny, your progress on the FEEEDS® issues, your push for investment, and development, and the positive paths you will decide to take as a nation in the future. Happy Birthday! ]]> tag:www.huffingtonpost.com,2011:/theblog//3.888407 2011-07-01T00:03:59-04:00 2011-08-30T05:12:01-04:00

Amb. Robin Renee Sanders http://www.huffingtonpost.com/amb-robin-renee-sanders/

• SMEs are vehicles to employment and job creation.


• SMEs are key to the region's entrepreneurial environment needs.

But what else are they? What else needs to be further highlighted? What can those who seek to support their growth do better? We all agree that SMEs -- just like big businesses -- start with a vision, an idea, or fulfill a need in a community. But fundamentally, SMEs play a critical role in nation building, nation advancement, and a nation's innovativeness. Development in Africa cannot happen without them; growth cannot happen without them; socio-economic paradigm shifts cannot happen without them; and poverty cannot be reduced without them. They are what produce a country's middle class. This is their development enterprise role.

Whether one is in West, East, South or Central Africa, the sectors needing development or expansion are the same -- agriculture, infrastructure development (power and transportation), manufacturing, and information technology. But SMEs bring other innovativeness to the table especially for the heavily-populated African urban areas, where cities in the region are expected to grow by 4-5 percent over the next decades (http://tinyurl.com/SSAUrbanGrowth).

Meaning current growth rates in sectors like agriculture, currently about 3.5 percent, needs to grow by 6 percent; energy sectors must grow by 7 percent; and, economies must grow by 8 percent or more just to keep pace with the region's population rate. These are no small tasks (www.songhai.org -- Lagos, 6/16/11). There are already reports that the economic boom of 18 SSA countries may hit a snag for some later in 2011, dropping GDP growth rates to 3.7 percent as food prices and energy costs outpace growth (http://tinyurl.com/SSA-economicoutlook).

The point is SMEs have a special role to play over the next 10 years: capitalize now on the pivotal convergence of both economic growth and current investment interests in the region.

SME stands for Small and Medium Size Enterprises, but today let's change that acronym to Strong and Maverick Enterprises -- reflecting the development enterprise space of SMEs and micro enterprises or MEs (employing 10 people or less). They are producing, designing, employing, and more importantly innovating. They are development entrepreneurs (http://tinyurl.com/TAPblogitrrs-LagosSMEspeech).

SMEs will be the foundation of the region's middle class and that comes with certain responsibilities. Their strength can influence other social sector changes. They can demand transparency, and improved regulatory frameworks (such as access to credit, markets, and incentives, etc).

According to Global Finance, SSA has about 331 million people in the middle class today, even though, as noted above, there are GDP record growth rates of higher than 5 percent in about 18 SSA countries (http://tinyurl.com/TAP-blogitrrs-BRICA).

So, is there something wrong with this picture? Yes, a lot. These record growth rates are not changing the paradigm of people lives in all tiers of society. If the region has 30 million SMEs today, then there is no reason with this kind of growth rate that SMEs should be struggling. There should be more than 331 million successful SMEs in the region.

The Strong and Maverick Enterprise Role that SMEs play also includes a transformative role. For SMEs, this means transforming from simply surviving to sustainability; this mean transforming from just producing to productivity, and finally this mean long term market trade capabilities domestically, regionally, and internationally. These transformative rules are the same for both urban and rural entrepreneurs.

Operation Hope (www.operationhope.org), a leading U.S. non-profit, stresses that those in urban areas need to create their own jobs; create their own futures; and create their own sustainability. The same applies to SSA's rural entrepreneurs. But how you say? What does it take? What are the tools?

Let's look at the tools SMEs will need to further advance that business idea, that vision:

• Training, retraining, retooling, upgrading, or reinventing an SME business is essential. There's no shame in having to do that. It is the street smart thing to do;



• Sound business plan, and 2-4 year goals. (Although elementary principles, many SMEs struggle with this fundamental step);



• Good accounting practices;



• Network with institutions that can help conceptualize and transform skills to entrepreneurship; and,



• Finance, and access to credit are challenges, (as they are for some big business) so look for low cost loans, government-back programs, and supplement incomes by recyling. (For example, some countries pay small stipends if you take plastic bottles to recycling stations).

Getting these tools right is on the driver side of the SME business ledger, but there is also a leadership side of the ledger to truly be a development entrepreneur:

• Respect for diversity of thought, and new ideas



• Assist in shaping regulations allowing for competition and in some cases comparative advantage;



• Set business goals, but not in concrete. Some built-in flexibility helps to take advantage of unexpected opportunities.

In sum, recognizing the development entrepreneur role of SMEs as part of the growth matrix is essential for Sub Saharan Africa's progress and the growth of the region's middle class.
]]> tag:www.huffingtonpost.com,2011:/theblog//3.868649 2011-05-31T16:30:31-04:00 2011-07-31T05:12:02-04:00

Amb. Robin Renee Sanders http://www.huffingtonpost.com/amb-robin-renee-sanders/ A FEEEDS® Series Blogspot (http://blogitrrs.blogspot.com/p/feeeds.html)

We have all heard it! We have all read about it! Sub Saharan Africa (SSA) is in an economic boom, so let's recognize it as so! Thus, FEEEDS® is coining, on May 25, 2011, Africa Liberation Day, the acronym BRICA. Hence, adding Africa's name to the abbreviation of world economies and regions where economic growth, and other impact indicators -- investment, foreign direct investment (FDI), high GDP's -- are collectively outpacing other areas -- even some of those identified in the current BRICS. Although South Africa is included in BRICS, it is important to recognize all 17 economies in SSA that have put the Continent on the front economic and investment burner. Many (certainly not all) of the 17 SSA economies contributing to the good news also had good governance and political stability on top of good macroeconomic reports (i.e. Rwanda was recently named the best world reformer by the World Bank). So, what are the facts? Here is a good checklist underscoring why the "A" must be added to any acronym discussing booming economic growth regions. So move over BRICS, and Welcome BRICA!

SSA's Collective GDP & Other Growth Factors of Key Countries on the Move:

• McKinsey Global Institute noted that the collective GDP of SSA in 2010 was $1.6 trillion, with GDP's in individual SSA countries up 4-5 per cent (http://tinyurl.com/SSA-GDP);

• Debt dropped Continent-wide from 82% to 59% of GDP over last 5 years;

• Inflation dropped Continent-wide from 22% to 8%;

• Growing SSA's middle class is approximately 331 million today, translating into growing consumers with purchasing power (Financial Times - http://tinyurl.com/FT-Africa-Rising );

• In 2025, SSA will have approximately 1.1 billion people of working age (**World Bank speech 5/25/11).

• Average projected collective growth rate for 2012 is @ 6-7 per cent; Financial Times 5/19/11 article forecasts 7 per cent growth over next 20 years (http://tinyurl.com/FT-Africa-Rising);

• Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) projected to rise from $41 billion in 2010 to 48.5 billion by year's end, with FDI estimates for 2015 projected @ $150 billion (**World Bank speech, 5/25/2011);

• Single digit inflation for most of the 17 SSA growth countries;

• Diaspora remittances reportedly high over last 5 years adding to GDP, according to informal channels. NB: Data hard to confirm. SSA reportedly accounts for 73 per cent of world-wide remittances as of 2005 (http://tinyurl.com/Diaspora-Remittances);

• Improved infrastructure and market liberalization added to growth;

• Key areas of non-oil investment: Information, Communication, Technology or ICT, SSA has 500 million cell phone users, with Nigeria, South Africa, Kenya, and Ghana topping the list (http://tinyurl.com/MobileAfrica), Infrastructure Development, Housing Construction, Agriculture, and, Manufacturing;

• What 2 countries are investing the most FDI in SSA today?
1.) China (infrastructure)
2.) India (ICT & manufacturing & India is fourth largest SSA trading partner).

A Few of the Countries on the Move -- What's Their Current Reported GDP?

By percentage rates for 2010 GDP's of 5% or above (From - http://tinyurl.com/GDP-Growth-Rates & Global Finance Country Reports - http://www.gfmag.com/)

Angola - 9 *
Botswana - 9 (maintained high growth rate for last 10-15 years)
Democratic Republic of Congo - 7.2*
Ethiopia - 8
Ghana - 7 *
Gambia - 5
Malawi - 6.6
Mozambique - 6.5
Niger - 7.5
Nigeria - 8*
Liberia - 5.1
Republic of Congo (Brazzaville) - 9*
Rwanda - 6.5
Seychelles - 6.2
Tanzania - 6.5
Uganda - 5.1
Zambia - 7.6
Zimbabwe - 5.9

In sum, SSA is not only growing faster than Asia, with 6 out of the world's 10 fastest growing economies on the Continent, but investment, business, and 331 million new consumers have spurred the region forward. This does not mean that everything is fine. Good governance, transparency, development (particularly in agriculture), and anti-corruption still need to improve in many countries on (and off) the list. In addition a number of the same countries noted above, also lag behind on reaching the all-important 2015 Millennium Development Goals (MGDs) in the remaining 4 years, particularly in health, education, and gender empowerment.

Although, FEEEDS® is coining the more inclusive BRICA acronym, the positive economic growth factoids noted above do not exclude the importance and need to address the other pillars of democracy -- good governance, transparency, anti-corruption efforts, respect for human rights, and social sector reform. Not all the countries on the economic growth list have addressed (or begun to address) these other key democracy issues. However, they will need to in order to maintain the projected positive economic forecasts for the long term, but more fundamentally it is what the people of this great Continent deserve. In addition, friends of Africa hope that many more SSA countries turn the economic corner, along side of greatly improving their democratic landscape. On the flip side, however, businesses from countries (e.g. U.S.) other than Brazil, India, and China are certainly missing out on Africa's Rising.


*NB: Oil prices add to higher GDP's of oil producing countries. **World Bank VP for Africa Speech 5/25/11.]]> tag:www.huffingtonpost.com,2011:/theblog//3.868143 2011-05-27T15:03:06-04:00 2011-07-27T05:12:01-04:00

Amb. Robin Renee Sanders http://www.huffingtonpost.com/amb-robin-renee-sanders/ Answer: Improve Education & Health, Build Agriculture & Transform Energy Sector, and Improve Anti-Corruption Efforts

The majority of international and local civil society observers saw the results of Nigeria's election series on April 9, April 16, and April 26, 2011, as credible. However, they, along with the opposition also noted irregularities such as underage voting, improperly used ballots, and mishandled/misplaced ballot boxes, coupled with the sad fact of election violence killing nearly 800 as noted by Human Rights Watch. Many of these same irregularities have been cited in past elections since military rule ended more than 30 years ago. However, in 2011, these improper actions were significantly reduced with much of the credit for this positive change going to the well-respected Chairman of Nigeria's Election Commission (INEC) -- Professor Attahiru Jega.

With a credibility stamp on the overall 2011 election results, even with the irregularities and violence, the post-election landscape is going to be equally as important as the need to respond to some of the underlying development issues that could have contributed to the election violence, as well as the need to transparently address the voting irregularities.

So how to reach out to all Nigerians, particularly the youth and especially the northern youth, so that they feel, as one nation, they can play a part in the country's future? There are about 45 million youth in today's Nigeria. And, from now to 2025 that 45 million is likely to reach 62 million if Nigeria's population trajectory remains on track. The post-election landscape will have to focus on some of the FEEEDS® issues, especially food security, education, development, and addressing evolving democracy efforts (e.g. anti-corruption).

Social sector reform in education, health, and housing as well as transformative institution building in those same sectors is needed so that youth and women, in particular, can play key roles in the country's future. Transparent investment and value chain development in sectors such as agriculture, energy, and infrastructure, including taking renewables and appropriate technology into account, will be fundamental to Nigeria's advancement over the next 20 years -- or more simply put -- for the nation's next two generations. Changes in these areas will ensure self-sufficient food security, but also maximize the export potential of key commodities from rice and cassava to maize and cowpeas, including increasing trade of unique national products such as shea butter, palm oil, and coco, to northern Fulani and Hausa crafts, and indigenous textiles like indigo-based adire or ashoke. Addressing all of these issues will create two things: an educated and trained citizenry, and entrepreneurs and/or jobs.

If one travels throughout Nigeria (and I have to all 36 states), particularly in the North where negative human index indicator numbers are much higher (infant mortality, out-of-school girls, malnutrition), there is a visible need to respond to these socio-economic issues to meet the aspirations of young people at the poverty level or in the middle class. The youth, as well as Nigeria's 74 million women, will need to have employment opportunities (entrepreneurial, vocational, or formal private sector). The young will need to feel hopeful about opportunities -- or at least know there are transparent frameworks (institutions, processes, and regulatory environments) -- allowing them to outline a way forward for their future. People are hopeful when transparent frameworks are in place. Without them, without hope, then there are few alternatives, leading to frustration or in some cases violence that breaks down often along religious and ethnic lines.

Looking at the violence that mostly took place in the North, and the fact that the 12 core Northern States went to opposition presidential candidate, retired General Buhari, (see stark red & green map), underscores the outreach still needed in the region. Two predominately Muslim states in the East, Adamawa and Taraba, went to the President-elect.

It is okay to have political differences within a nation -- most democratic countries do -- as democracy also means respect for differences in views, culture and religion. But differences cannot also include hopelessness because social sectors needs are not met for parts of the population. So what should be on the post-election to-do list?

• Foster transparent frameworks (institutions and societal structures) so that Nigerians, no matter where they live, or what their political, religious or ethnic backgrounds are, believe that they have a level playing field allowing for a better future;

• Rebuild and resource education, adding possibly a universal program similar to nations like Uganda, and certainly include vocational and entrepreneurial training (too few donors assist with these);

• Creative value chain development using models such as Benin's Songhai, Backpack farms, and programs like MARKETS (see TAP@blogitrrs);

• Improve micro credit and finance mechanisms. Current programs do not meet the high demand, and requirements for lending are too tough for many, especially for small holder farmers, women and entrepreneurs;

• Establish a more reliable and affordable mortgage program so anyone at any point on the social economic scale can count on a framework that provides housing. A viable and affordable mortgage system, available to all, does not exist in today's Nigeria. Housing is a big issue for many.

All in all, Nigeria's post election environment represents an opportunity for the country's leadership to change the key paradigms that will provide a new enabling environment for a new Nigeria. Despite the good macroeconomic news in Nigeria and some visionary Governors (e.g. Lagos, Katsina, Akom Ibom, Rivers, Gombe, etc.), there are real poverty issues for many. I have also seen this poverty firsthand. Also, few job options exist for the educated. If some of the frameworks noted above are transparently addressed, then hopefully, this election -- with its international stamp of credibility -- will be a turning point for many in this nation of 152 million people.
]]> tag:www.huffingtonpost.com,2011:/theblog//3.864550 2011-05-20T15:45:59-04:00 2011-07-20T05:12:01-04:00

Amb. Robin Renee Sanders http://www.huffingtonpost.com/amb-robin-renee-sanders/
Winning re-election with 82 percent of the vote, Fashola told the assembled crowd that his vision for the next four years for his state focused on infrastructure development, particularly in mass transport (rail, bus, ferries), the housing and agricultural sectors, as well as on educational and training programs for youth. I have seen personally the transformation of Lagos from 2007-2010 during the time that I lived in Nigeria as a result of Fashola's leadership and I have no doubt that during the next four years he will continue to move the country's commercial capital forward.

Noting to the crowd "the importance of coming and seeing Nigeria first-hand," he told the U.S. group that they could not understand and invest in Nigeria unless they actually came to the country to appreciate the array of investment opportunities there.

In response to a question on the recent Nigerian elections where 22 million of Nigeria's 74 million registered voters participated in the April 2011 voting, Fashola acknowledged the irregularities in some polling places which he said needed to be addressed. He also stressed his concern about the violence that occured, but he added that the outcome of the election was credible and gave high points to President-elect Jonathan for "working the hardest" during the campaign and trying to reach out to Nigerians all across the country.

In my view, the key now will be the next steps for the country, particularly efforts to address key social sector issues for Nigeria's nearly 64 million youth, and addressing the underlying causes of the violence (need for education, training, better health care, and job opportunities) in the country's north, where according to Human Rights Watch nearly 800 people reportedly lost their lives.

Most Africa watchers recognize the enormous and limitless potential of Nigeria to expand its global and economic leadership, but more needs to be done to address social sector issues. The extraordinary vision, dedication and commitment by extraordinary individuals such as the results-oriented Governor Fashola of Lagos gives us all hope!]]> tag:www.huffingtonpost.com,2011:/theblog//3.846487 2011-04-08T16:17:33-04:00 2011-06-08T05:12:01-04:00

Amb. Robin Renee Sanders http://www.huffingtonpost.com/amb-robin-renee-sanders/
Nigeria has incredible potential. This phrase as been uttered many, many times before; it is not new. What is this potential? . To be a strong democratic, economic, stable, prosperous powerhouse from which its people benefit, serving as an example for both the sub-region, and the rest of the Continent. This is the "bumper sticker" that many Nigerians want to see become the order of the day. No one doubts the importance of Nigeria and no one doubts that whatever happens in Nigeria matters to the rest of the Continent, and to its friends in the global community.

However, the cloud over the potential of this great nation has been an election culture for more than a decade, on top of the years of military rule, which has inhibited the nation's ability to hold transparent elections. It really is time to get this right so that the Nigerian people can believe in the elected officials of their nation. It really is time to overcome the cloud of confusion, fraud, and rigging that has plagued every election since the 1990s. It really is time for Nigerians to no longer feel disenfranchised, despondent, discouraged, and disappointed because a free, fair, credible and transparent election cannot be held in the country. It is time to get it right. It is time for those involved in the election process at all levels (political parties, candidates, election workers and party agents) to do their utmost to support the efforts of the well-respected Chairman of the Independent National Election Commission (INEC) who (like many Nigerians) wants to turn the page on Nigeria's elections of the past, and make it a new day for the country -- finally putting the naysayers and critics out of business. It is time to get it right.

This is the eve of the rescheduled round for the legislative election that should have been held on April 2, 2011, but now will be held on April 9. On the eve of this critical election, however, there are some uneasy signs and some unsettling reports adding to the overall concern about how April 9, 2011, and the rest of the series of elections will unfold, such as:

-- Will there be enough ballot papers, since ballots are being printed as Election Day approaches to cover the likely deficit since some papers were already used on April 2?

-- Will the logistical challenges regarding the distribution of election material be overcome this time? (Some unconfirmed reports imply the serious logistical snafus were a nefarious intent by some involved and/or working on the election to cast doubt on the process. There is no way to know if this is true or not, but the point is to move forward).

-- Will the ballots already used on April 2, 2011, in some states be handled properly so that they do not cast doubt on the outcome of the elections? (Reports are 6-9 of Nigeria's 36 states did not have election materials last time).

And,

-- Will the process be peaceful, so that Nigerians can vote in the right enabling environment? Nigerians want the right to vote; they shouldn't have to face any violence in getting to the polls.

These are challenges. However, that being said, the popular sentiment of many Nigerians is that they want a good election; they know that it is time to get right. The backstory is that April 2, 2011, has come and gone and we can all hash over what went wrong and why. But now, it is time to focus on tomorrow, it is time to get it right this time, and it is time to turn the page on the bad elections of the past. Friends of Nigeria are hoping that despite the missteps to date (and there have been many), that in the end, this country of 150 million people with incredible potential can get past the past; hold a reasonable series of election processes on April 9th, 16th, and 23rd (the current proposed election schedule); and, have election outcomes that its nationals believe in, see as transparent, and most importantly regard as credible.

The odds are not great right now. But on this election eve, all the friends of Nigeria are supporting those Nigerians who want to make this process different; who want to end the culture of voting fraud, political indiscipline, and lack of respect for the election process; and, who want the nation's future to be different -- living up to the potential that we all know is there.
]]> tag:www.huffingtonpost.com,2011:/theblog//3.828361 2011-02-25T16:09:06-05:00 2011-05-25T18:35:25-04:00

Amb. Robin Renee Sanders http://www.huffingtonpost.com/amb-robin-renee-sanders/ A Look at the Economic, Business, and Investment Relationship

The Power Relationship: Why it Exists, Where it's Going?

Why is a country like China, now eclipsing Japan as the second largest world economy with a 2010 growth rate of 10.3 percent, and sub-Saharan Africa, identified as the next emerging market frontier with growth rates in the region projected to reach 5.5 to 5.75 per cent in 2011 and 2012, developing an economic and business relationship that has everyone talking? Because they need each other and the linkages are not only unmistakable, but profound.

For both China and sub Saharan Africa, there are some fundamental facts that underscore not only the potential strength of the nascent relationship, but what some would call the symbiotic nature of the relationship's future progression and impact on the world's economy. At a February 2011 Washington, D.C. Woodrow Wilson Center event, World Bank Managing Director Okonjo-Iweala made this point clear when she said that "the debate is no longer about whether China should be in Africa; it is there. The debate today is about what the nature of the relationship should be. China has a long term strategy for Africa; Africa does not have one for its relationship with China." Her point is that Africa needs to have a short, medium and long-term plan, as well as strategic direction about the Africa-China relationship.

We are hearing more and more about the Africa-China economic, business, and investment relationship. So what are the symbiotic linkages -- there are three:

--For China -- the need for resources, and commodities to support its large population;

--For Africa -- having resources for commodities, its own domestic demand for commodities and a large population.

Thus, there is no coincidence in the nexuses listed above -- resources, commodities, and population. Population for both China and Africa are one of the biggest elements in their symbiotic relationship. China falls on the need side of the equation as it population needs both resources and commodities. Africa's population is on track to be home to 1.9 million people by 2050, with half being under 25 years of age. Its population should be responsible for taking the lead in not only developing the natural resources but Africa's leadership will need to ensure transparency in both the extraction of its resources and the financial gains. Approximately 40 percent of both Africa's and China's populations live in cities -- meaning growing urban consumers demanding commodities. On Africa's side of the population equation, the Continent needs investment, training, education, and development -- all elements China can bring to the table to help Africa reach its Millennium Development Goals.

What is the focus of the Relationship?

Right now the offerings from China are primarily in two areas: business and investment, with a number of key countries in its sights. Nations such as South Africa, Nigeria, Angola, Zambia, Mauritius, Kenya (pending port deals), Mauritius, Ethiopia (electric power), and Tanzania (recent $3 million in coal/iron sectors) are targeted countries for China's interest. However, the main focus of China's activities are in extractive areas (coal, copper, iron, oil, etc); agriculture (142 projects by end of 2009), infrastructure (construction), and forestry. There are also reportedly 100 million Chinese living and working in Africa from businesspersons to sellers in African markets -- establishing and building both investment relationships and family ties for the long term. According to China's official white paper report on Africa issued at the end of 2010, China invested approximately $9.33 billion on the Continent writ large (figure includes Egypt) and also has goals to develop economic zones in Zambia, Mauritius, Nigeria, Algeria, Egypt, and Ethiopia with some monies from China's new $5 billion China-Africa Development Equity Fund and the China Export-Import Bank. Two-way Africa-China trade, which is growing at roughly 44 per cent per year, is over $114 billion and a new $1 billion SME fund for Africa was also established according to the 2010 report.

With democratic and transparent African leadership on the direction and nature of the business relationship, sub Saharan Africa stands to gain for both its growth and development. Over the last 12 months several sub-Saharan Africa countries have signed financing agreements with China's Export-Import Bank. Here is a very short checklist:

-- Ghana: $10.4 billion concessionary-loan agreement for various infrastructure projects, payable over 20 years;

-- Nigeria: $900 million loan agreement ($500-million for construction of railway linking Abuja-Kaduna, $400-million public security communications project);

-- Zambia: $243 million for Zesco Limited and Sino Hydro of China to increase capacity at the Kariba North Bank power station by 360MW;

-- Ethiopia: $293.5 million for building of 9 vessels for Ethiopian Shipping Lines (ESL), the largest order the Ethiopian national company has made in its 46 years;and,

-- Angola: $1.5 billion to cover projects in agricultural sector, particularly to boost cereals (rice, maize, soya);

-- Mozambique: $214 million to help improve communication infrastructure.

The bank's overall investment at end of 2010 was reportedly over $200 billion. As African commercial banks are cautious about investments, China has stepped in as a financier of key major projects. We can expect more along these same lines in the future. Let's not forget that China is also financing the renovation of the African Union Headquarters in Addis Ababa for approximately $100 million, and collateral oil deals with countries like the Republic of Congo.

Africa's Economic Outlook -- A New Emerging Market Frontier?

The Economist noted that from 2000-2010, six of the world's ten fastest-growing economies were in sub Saharan Africa and that in five years African economy will outpace Asia. This will increase as more African countries become middle income countries as Senegal did in 2010, and Ghana is expected to do in 2011, and as profits from Chinese investments begin help African capital markets. McKinsey reports that the rate of return on foreign investment in Africa is higher than for any other developing region, and that by 2020, Africa's combined agriculture-resources-infrastructure sectors could generate nearly $2.6 trillion in revenue, $1 trillion more than today. The Continent's potential is base on improved political and macroeconomic reforms in many countries. However, we cannot forget despite this good news, more needs to be done on the democracy, anti-corruption, and transparency fronts. This means also using these tools to keep an eye on its varied economic relationships with China to ensure the following checklist:

-- Investments create jobs for Africa;
-- Business deals are transparent and fair;
-- Trade balance improves in favor of Africa;
-- African labor force is trained and used in Chinese-financed projects;
-- Environmental impact assessments are done for extractive projects;
-- Value-chain development is part of investment projects;
-- Renewable energy is used; and,
-- Technology is transferred to Africa's next generation.

If these steps are followed by Africa then the Africa-China economic relationship, which is certainly here to stay, can serve both well. How Africa manages its relationship with China, by making it more strategic, with long-term planning can lead to the type of growth and development that those of us who are Africa activists want to see for the continent.

A FEEEDS™ series blogspot]]> tag:www.huffingtonpost.com,2011:/theblog//3.817898 2011-02-03T18:10:30-05:00 2011-05-25T18:30:24-04:00

Amb. Robin Renee Sanders http://www.huffingtonpost.com/amb-robin-renee-sanders/ Part of the FEEEDS™ series

Can Sub-Saharan Africa be the next bread basket for the world, helping to address global food security issues? The answer is yes; the challenge is how. Sub-Saharan Africa and the rest of the developing world have a key role to play in leading, designing, deciding, and shaping food security policy for the coming decades. Why? Because of several key indicators that should not be either underestimated or overlooked. For Sub-Saharan Africa the indicators that are the most important to focus on are: its population size and youth bulge; its ability to manage its water resources; and its available arable and cultivated land. Looking at the indicators of population, economic growth, water and land use -- what I like to call key impact indicators on food availability -- Sub-Saharan Africa has an opportunity to do things differently earlier on its development and modernization life, something that few other world regions have today outside of Latin America.* Africa should be one of the leading regions in shaping global food security policies and feeding the future instead of others shaping it for Africa. Developing practical, integrative and more small-scale solutions for agricultural inputs and outputs, farming, and for managing both land and water resources, will help Africa provide for future generations on the Continent and elsewhere.

A closer look at the key impact indicator of population and practical, innovative and integrative solutions below will demonstrate why Africa should raise its profile and be a leading voice and how global food security policy unfolds (the impact indicators of water and land will be addressed in a separate blog):

Sub Saharan Africa's Young Population -- Future Farmers

Who are the next generations of farmers and where are they going to come from?

Sub Saharan Africa's population is young, with more than half of the people living on the Continent under the age of 25. With current continent-wide population growth rates averaging 2.45 and estimated to remain on that level up through 2050, Africa is on track to be home to 1.9 million people by 2050. In addition, although Africa is the third-largest continent, it is reportedly the fastest growing with reportedly the billionth person born there in 2010. With half its population being under 25 now and if the trajectory remains the same, Africa would be host to 29 percent of the people in the world of that age group. What does this mean for the foundations of food security (adequate, nutritional, and available food)? It means that Africa must encourage its youth to see its food security issues as vital to its development in the first instance and be a exporting Continent of key staples in the second instance. Most African countries remain major importers of key staples such as rice, maize and wheat, and are not self-sufficient in cassava, cow peas and other commodities. In addition, innovation and integration needs to enter the picture more as both exports increase and crop self-sufficiency issues are addressed. Alternative crop uses must also be sought. For example, Nigeria is host to a cooperative-based cassava-to-glucose agribusiness (a non-traditional use of cassava) which supplies glucose not only in Nigeria but to other countries in the West African sub-region.

With this large population, and the sheer size of the continent, the affects of poor development in food security policy going forward will likely hit Africa harder than any other region. But solutions need to be thoughtful and forward leaning. So what to do?

a.) Focus on training this cadre of youth to see farming in a new and different way, along with a different approach -- organized small-scale farmers (cooperatives or groups of cooperatives) that produce quality and improved yields in environmentally sustainable ways (i.e. waste management, using solar and wind energy, etc.).

b.) Work with these new farmers and current farmers (particularly women) to develop more innovative technology to improved crop rotation, hybrid seeds, water harvesting and climate change sensitive irrigation techniques (drip, solar driven, etc) to assist with aquaculture and ;

c.) Seek integrative solutions connecting food security to other quality of life issues such as health (food storage and safety) and education. Some of the best small scale projects in sub Saharan Africa are examples in Republic of Congo, Benin, Tanzania, and Nigeria and several other places where health issues of cooperative farmers are addressed along with food safety and storage or when small gardens are developed for schools, ensuring a healthy school time meal for students, teachers, and mothers who bring their children to school. Benin's Songhai Integrative Projects uses appropriate technology, bio-gas and environmentally-sound approach to cooperative farming and small scale agro-industries.

The outcome: Reduced hunger, along with poverty reduction can occur as increased, quality yields are sold at market (or exported regionally) for income that can be used to address other quality of life issues (i.e. paying for school fees, housing and health services).

With proper planning, the right democratic leadership, and transparent resource management, forward leaning innovative food security policy, and integrative agriculture inputs and outputs, Africa's young population over the next decades can contribution enormously to addressing both continent-wide and global food security issues as many of the world's future farmers are right now today on the Continent.

(I define and use the term impact indicators as those issues that directly affect positively or negatively food security such as population, water, land, and economic growth/development. N.B. Use of the term Africa and all stats refer to sub Saharan Africa). ]]> tag:www.huffingtonpost.com,2010:/theblog//3.798077 2010-12-17T12:29:28-05:00 2011-05-25T18:20:30-04:00

Amb. Robin Renee Sanders http://www.huffingtonpost.com/amb-robin-renee-sanders/ 20 tons of CO2-eq each year.

Sub-Saharan Africa and the rest of the developing world have a key role to play in leading, designing, deciding, and shaping environmental policy for the coming decades. Why? Because of several key factors that should not be underestimated or overlooked. Global environmental policy is the macro picture and sets the stage for how we will live together in the future. It will be important for Africa to keep the macro elements of population, economic growth, water and land use, food availability, pollution and last, but certainly not least, managing energy resources in a more efficient and effective manner. Africa needs to be one of the leading regions in the world shaping these policy issues -- developing practical, innovative solution that will help the continent better provide for future generations. Here are some key factors as to why Africa should be one of the primary voices on how global environmental policy unfolds:

Sub-Saharan Africa's Population
Sub-Saharan Africa's population is young, with more than half of it under the age of 25. With current continent-wide population growth rates averaging 2.45 per cent, and the trajectory estimated to remain the same over the next 40 years, Africa is on track to be home to 1.9 billion people by 2050. In addition, although Africa is the third largest continent, it is reportedly the fastest growing with the billionth person born there this year.

With half its population being under 25 now and if the trajectory remains the same, Africa would be host to 29 percent of the people in the world of that age group. This means they will need to not only be adequately and nutritionally feed, but have access to education (particularly vocational), training, housing and resources to have a good quality of life. Thus, the affects of climate change and resources management will be vital for the continent. Now is the time for Sub-Saharan Africa to be out front on global environmental issues. With this large population, the affects of climate change will likely hit Africa harder than any other region. To sustain this population several things must change from how energy resources, and water and land use are managed. The affects of climate change such as drought, famine-related diseases, and poverty cannot be underestimated.

In addition, oil-producing countries should not see alternative energy usages such as solar and wind as a threat to economic development. There will be enough need for all environmentally-friendly forms of energy well into the future. With proper planning, the right democratic leadership, and transparent resource management, economic growth for many African countries can be realized. The future does not have to be bleak for the continent, but the time is now for Africa to be seen as one of the leaders in the global debate on how large populations cope and plan the use of their resources.

Water Management and Land Use
These are the next two issues that must move to the top of the agenda for Sub-Saharan Africa. Not only is the management of these resources key to supporting the population, but water and land use also affects economic growth and development. Although these two resources are often discussed in Africa, they need to be addressed in terms of continent-wide environmental policy, and regional cooperation. Leading activists, academics, and experts such as Hernando de Soto, Dr. Zuberi of the University of Pennsylvania, and the World Bank's Deininger during a 2010 Tanzanian water and land use conference, noted that most of the world's water resources and arable and agricultural land are in the developing world. For example, according to de Soto, about 1.7 billion hectares today produce most of the world's food, and with a bump from technology this could rise to 2.4 billion hectares. These hectares are mostly in Latin America and Africa.

Furthermore according to GRID-Arendal, a collaborating center of the United Nations Development Program (UNEP), Africa has the potential now to raise its current 160 million hectares of arable and agricultural land up to 300 million hectares.

The importance of improving the management of both these resources is evident. For water, better management will provide more access to potable water and avert water scarcity and water stress (water scarcity and stress generally refers to environmental problems caused by unmet water needs). For land, better management will improve usage of arable and agricultural areas to improve food production.

This means that current and future use of these two precious resources must be done with realistic planning. If not, the likelihood increases for food insecurity, and of course, conflict over these two vital resources. About 70 percent of people living in Sub-Saharan Africa depend on agriculture, and according to Water System Analysis Group, 64 percent rely on limited water.

When talking about land, it is important also to keep in mind FAO's definition of both arable and cultivate land. Arable land includes land defined by FAO as areas under temporary cultivation; cultivated land is that which is under permanent crops for long periods of time such as cocoa, coffee, and rubber. For Sub-Saharan Africa this means about 8.3 percent of the land.

There are numerous examples in the world were ethnic and religious differences or tensions arise because of pressures on either land use or water rights -- or lack of access to either. If you add these challenges to the ever-expanding desertification in the Sahel, the importance of managing these resources in an environmentally sound manner is even more evident. Sub-Saharan African leaders will need to continue to actively and effectively participate in the climate change debate and help develop global policies to address its unique position as the fastest growing continent. At the 2010 Tanzanian Conference, it was sited that Sudan, Zambia and Mozambique reportedly have the largest amounts of land available for food production. Desertification is affecting countries like Nigeria, Mali, Mauritania, Niger, and Chad to name a few and Blogit-rrs has already reported on current food security issues in the West Africa region. Again, water and land use affects economic growth and development, jobs and the future.

All of these issues are pillars in the environment and climate change discussion. We all want a way forward that makes sense, and that will ensure that we have: a resource-rich future that pushes all of us to be environmentalists, energy conservationists, and users of alternative energy resources in the execution of our daily lives. It is important to remember that future economic growth and development will be impacted by how we handle climate change today.

Indeed, for Sub-Saharan Africa the important things on the radar screen to keep in mind are:

-- That a good percentage of the world's water resources are on the African continent, thus having enough potable water for the both current and future generations is vital;


-- That most of the arable and agricultural land today is in the developing world, (both arable and cultivated land). These must be used wisely for food security (both adequate and nutrition-rich foods), and with environmental considerations in mind. This includes using innovative technology to improved food storage and crop rotation, hybrid seeds, water harvesting, and more drip irrigation to name a few solutions;

--That land tenure and land uses are part of the climate change debate for Africa because laws and regulations in many countries will need to be address at the same time with a view to incorporating environmental sound policies. Land tenure issues are a big piece of the environmental picture given that whoever owns land determines how, particularly for agriculture. This includes bringing more women into the discussion, particularly on title and land transfer issues. Noting that 90 percent of land in Sub-Saharan Africa is not titled, de Soto refers to land titles as "passports" as it allows one to have a voice in how land is used.; and,

--That energy usage (fossil fuel and combustion) is one of the largest markers of the world's carbon foot print. Alternative energy usage (wind, solar, hydro) must come into play alongside improved environmental-sound use of hydrocarbons (i.e. advance efforts to capture gas from flaring so it can be used as an additional energy resource). A sufficient and efficient energy platform sustains manufacturing, industry and entrepreneurial activity leading to economic growth, development, and jobs.

All of these issues underscore the importance of the continent's leadership role in the global climate change/environmental debate in order for Sub-Saharan Africa to provide a good quality of life for its 1.9 billion population at mid-Century and beyond.

*N.B. Primary carbon footprint is emissions of greenhouse gases from the burning of fossil fuels combustion for energy consumption and transportation. Secondary footprint is the indirect emissions during the lifecycle of products (i.e. greenhouse gases emitted making plastic bottles). All stats and Africa references refer to Sub-Saharan Africa.

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