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20 century 'zuŋ u 'not for profit' empires
"Veni, Vidi, Vici ",Steti - ego adduxit amicis meis

Another criticism is that NGOs are more accountable to their funders than those they
serve. Because they are largely dependent on funding, their projects are crafted in line
with donor preferences instead of those they supposedly represent.

A final criticism relates to the fact that NGO workers tend to be foreigners or local elites.
Instead of empowering local populations to organise themselves, NGOs provide
employment and a sense of purpose for elites with degrees in subjects like development

studies.”

"The Role of NGOs in Africa: Are They a Force for Good?" 197
The Conversation (April 2017)

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It's time NGOs admit aid isn't going to 'save' Africa

Africa loses more to the west than it gains in aid. NGOs must challenge governments
rather than congratulate them.

The UK is a world leader in development aid. It's also a leader in greenhouse gas
emissions, tax haven networks, and taking corporate profits out of Africa – which causes
far more poverty there than aid relieves. Yet, the continent is often portrayed as "needing

our help" and the question we must answer is what role have international NGOs –
including my own, Health Poverty Action – played in portraying Africa as a continent in

need of help?

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Our report quantifies the total resource flows in and out of Africa. It shows that Africa is
losing £192bn to the rest of the world each year, while only £134bn flows in. This means

Africa suffers a net loss of £58bn a year.

And against the £192bn annual losses, aid puts back less than £30bn. It's a tiny part of
the picture – and clearly no solution to the regular and systematic impoverishment of a

continent. Yet raising money, whether as government aid or charity donations, is what
most development NGOs bang on about more than anything else.

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This distorted communication implies aid is the answer. But the true figures highlight the
dishonesty of the aid narrative, which portrays Africa as the grateful beneficiary of the

rich world's generosity, and its hope for the future resting on how charitable we choose
to be.

"It's Time NGOs Admit Aid Isn't Going to 'save' Africa." 208
Drewry, Martin, The Guardian (July 2014)

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