Oct 07, 2009

Rwanda: Now the Tragedy has Irony

Rwanda is a place where the generally accepted and reported narrative is increasingly diverging from the facts on the ground. The narrative is well-known: Since the genocide, Rwanda has made steady progress in economic growth, stability and reconciliation under the benevolent and enlightened leadership of President Paul Kagame who is attracting economic investment from the business community rather than by soliciting aid.

But the narrative is breaking down at all levels. Rwanda is starting to look much more like a bitter tragedy than an inspirational new model.

Feb 26, 2009

Mobile Cash Transfers Pose Threat to Banks

In December of last year, a group of banks reportedly lobbied the Kenyan finance minister to audit M-Pesa, a mobile funds transfer service offered by the telecommunications firm Safaricom, in an effort to have the service shut down.

Feb 18, 2009

Follow Up: Investing in the Future of Rwanda and Congo

The Rwandan government’s current joint military operations with the Congolese army to finally dismantle the remains of militia groups that participated in the 1994 genocide creates an unequivocal opportunity for philanthropic investment no matter how one feels about the politics of the Rwandan government. For those concerned about the future of East and Central Africa and finally ending the various conflicts that have claimed more than 5 million lives, ensuring that remnants of Hutu militias can create peaceful livelihoods should be a top priority.

Mar 19, 2008

More News of an Africa on the Economic Upswing

The commodities boom and bust in the 1980’s left most developing nations worse off than they started. Particularly hard hit was sub-Saharan Africa.

Apr 14, 2007

Little More Than Warnings for Darfur

The conflict in Darfur between Darfurian rebel groups and the government-backed janjaweed militia has been raging since early 2003. Since that time Western governments have been almost universally reluctant to create clear consequences for Khartoum.