Page 487 - Volume 2_CHANGES_merged_with links

Changes!

Commentary

Arab states have increased their presence in Africa. Some of the recent initiatives

undertaken by individual Arab states where they have invested unexpected large sums of

money as part of a large-scale strategic repositioning give some indication of their ability
to change the balance in specific regions of Africa. And Moslems make up more than 30%

of the African population. Whilst Christianity dominates the southern part of the African

continent and the Moslem religion does the north, as pan-African collaboration develops
further, so does the potential for greater involvement of wealthy Arab countries.

The competition for Africa’s resources and for trade opportunities in Africa’s growing
economies will provide bigger and more flexible development funding for African
resources. And increased risks of debt trap and neo-colonialism.
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Africa has been developing. And not just economically.
3 African states are classed by the World Bank as being in the middle income group and 4

have a per capita income higher than Thailand. 2 African states have a higher per capita

wealth than Malaysia.

Whilst income inequality is a problem in Africa generally, there are 7 African countries

where the level of income inequality is considered to be better than in the UK (and perhaps
another 6 African countries are on a par with UK)

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A whole range of the infrastructure necessary for a modern Africa has been, and
continues to be, put in place.
Politically and economically, pan-African infrastructure has developed in a meaningful way.

The African Union is much more able to provide leadership. It is now realistic to expect

diplomatic and economic pressure to be exerted at times of political instability.

Regional economic communities have been formed.

The continent could soon be home to the world's largest free trade area, "Continental Free

Trade Area" (CFTA). Three regional trade groups have already agreed to the formation of a
mega trade bloc, the Tripartite Free Trade Area – consisting of

COMESA Common Market for Eastern and Southern Africa
EAC East African Community

SADC Southern African Development Community