THE SECOND half of 2005 abounds with events
and processes that are of crucial importance to
southern Africa’s development agenda.
Like other developing regions, southern Africa is more and more having to deal with the paradoxical question of choosing between development aid or investment and trade. But the reality of development and the lessons of history would suggest that soft options or quick fix solutions are least likely to address perennial poverty challenges. [read more]
TANZANIA’S GOVERNING party is preparing for national elections in six
months time by naming its presidential candidate and drafting an ambitious
election manifesto based on economic growth and poverty reduction.
In a carefully considered process that involved the selection of one man from a field of 11, based on qualities such as the ability to promote and protect national unity, peace and stability and boldness in fighting injustice and oppression, the ruling party, Chama Cha Mapinduzi (CCM) selected its next leader and presidential candidate for the 30 October elections. [read more]
THE AGREEMENT between
Angola and Zambia to reconstruct
the lifeline Benguela railway
is the latest example of
practical commitment to regional
integration in southern Africa
and economic development on
the continent.
The US$60 million project to rebuild the Benguela rail line is a direct dividend of the peace process that ended a protracted civil war that, for 27 years, tore apart and slowed down Angola's otherwise vibrant economy [read more]