http://annansichronicles.disqus.com/African business and culture trendsenThu, 03 May 2007 12:40:39 -0000http://annansi.com/blog/2007/04/from-aid-to-opportunity-in-the-converstion-age/#comment-12616836<p>Interesting analysis. I see your point about social enterprise being a more promising approach. We find ourselves in a situation where consumers are attracted to Africa from an aid perspective and corporations follow those consumers' lead to keep their products relevant. My hope is that while aid is necessary, somehow we can transition the interest it brings from corporations - who naturally have a consumer focus - into social enterprise and hopefully move into full on enterprise. It's a dangerous road to navigate but we Africans must initiate the change to make it work in our favor.</p>KofiThu, 03 May 2007 12:40:39 -0000http://annansi.com/blog/2007/04/from-aid-to-opportunity-in-the-converstion-age/#comment-12616835<p>IMHO, Afri-activism through aid and charity to enable the growth of markets and consumers is an oxy moron. My reasons, the lion's share of aid and charity in Africa is modeled based on paternalism and dependancy. Not all aid/charity programs but most.......unless the mindset turns to aid from a perspective of entrepreneurship and self reliance, the twin goals: charity and consumerism will clash. <br>Other evidence, the most innovative and creative ideas to spur the growth of an African middle class all came from 'private sector' actors who saw Africa's poor and low income as 'consumers' not 'welfare candidates' hence they developed products and services that were appropriate for their socio-economic situation. Examples the mobile phone industry, microfinance, internet penetration.</p><p>Again, I'm not saying there are no charitable driven 'success stories'...my point, the scale and breadth of impact of the private sector initiatives dwarf the charitable ones because the originating mindset was already based on a 'consumer focus.' I see more promise in the emerging and blossoming social entrepreneurship culture.</p>SijuiTue, 01 May 2007 11:44:47 -0000http://annansi.com/blog/2007/04/from-aid-to-opportunity-in-the-converstion-age/#comment-12616834<p>Thanks fro stopping by Gavin. The project is turning out to be very exciting. I can't wait to see what the final product is like.</p>KofiTue, 01 May 2007 01:02:41 -0000http://annansi.com/blog/2007/04/from-aid-to-opportunity-in-the-converstion-age/#comment-12616833<p>It is a fascinating topic -- and we are so glad you took the time to write it for the eBook. I am also looking forward to how this conversation evolves!</p>Gavin HeatonMon, 30 Apr 2007 23:39:55 -0000