Africa

Africa Index: Improved GDP not Translating to Sustainable Economic Opportunities in Nigeria, Others

Published

6 years ago

October 30, 2018

Eric

The average improvement of Gross Domestic Products (GDP) of African countries have not been translated into sustainable economic opportunities, Mo Ibrahim Foundation says.

News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the 2018 Ibrahim Index of African Governance (IIAG) was launched by the foundation during a live event on Monday.

According to the report, Sustainable Economic Opportunity remains on average the worst performing and slowest improving category of the IIAG.

Its 2017 African average score is 44.8 (out of 100.0), only +0.1 points higher than ten years ago (2008).

Although Nigeria ranked 29 with a score of 43.5 and a growth rate of 2.7, the African average is 44.8 with a 0.1 growth rate.

Comparatively, Morocco had the highest improvement with a growth rate of 14.1 and a score of 68.3, while Libya had the lowest improvement a negative growth rate of -22.6, scoring 23.7.

On the state of Sustainable Economic Opportunity, the report says, “Africa’s combined GDP has increased by +39.7% over the last decade.

“But this has not translated into a similar level of progress in providing Sustainable Economic Opportunity for its citizens.

“In contrast, the increase in the African average score in this category of the IIAG is only +0.1 (a percentage increase of only +0.2%), the index stated.

The Sustainable Economic Opportunity category in the IIAG measures the extent to which governments enable their citizens to pursue economic goals and provide the opportunity to prosper.

NAN reports that this is calculated under four main categories including public management, business environment, infrastructure and rural sector.

Analysing the index, Mr Ibrahim, Yvonne Mensah, Head of Africa and Governance Directorate at the Commonwealth and Nasi Rwigema, an energy expert and Mo Ibrahim scholar examined the development growth rate for Africa.

Mr Ibrahim said, “My reading of the report is that there is trickling down. A country is getting richer, getting more revenue.

“Somehow, that has been translated in improving the conditions of the country. This is probably false and is not happening in many countries.

“Inequality is a problem and it is increasing and it seems that the wealth generated during the boom has not been retranslated into better job opportunities or money has been invested in infrastructure in improving quality education.

“It is a challenge, African economies have grown by almost 40% over the last few years but we don’t see really a proportional growth in the area of sustainable economic development itself.

“It really seems that governments are not paying enough attention to rural areas and I have a feeling that people in the city have more influence in the government behaviour than people outside.

“We really are not delivering in the rural sector which is sad because half of the population is there,” Mr Ibrahim said.

Meanwhile, Rwigema worries that African governments are not doing enough to translate GDP growth into better economic opportunities for the citizens.

He said, “What I see with my friends and family is that the government tend not to be creating enough sustainable economic opportunities.

“So, the economics are growing significantly over the last 10 years but the growth of economic opportunities created by these governments is stagnant.

“The worry is that we are going to lose out on the incredible opportunity that is our people,” Mr Rwigema said.

However, Ms Mensah stated that governments ought to create better environments for several business and economic opportunities to thrive.

She said, “The state has to create the enabling environments for jobs to be created. For the private sector to be able to create those jobs.

“If you look at the business environment which is actually going down, that’s serious,” Mensah said.

The Mo Ibrahim Foundation was established in 2006 with a focus on the critical importance of leadership and governance in Africa, by providing tools to assess and support progress in leadership and governance.

The IIAG provides an annual assessment of the quality of governance in African countries and is the most comprehensive collection of data on African governance. (NAN)

Africa

Mozambique Prison Break: 33 Persons Killed, 1500 Inmates Escape

Published

1 day ago

December 26, 2024

Eric

A suspected riot inside a jail in Mozambique’s capital has left at least 33 people dead and 15 injured, while more than 1,500 prisoners escaped, authorities said.

Police General Commander, Bernardino Rafael, confirmed on Wednesday that 150 of the prisoners who fled the prison in Maputo have been recaptured.

Mozambique is experiencing escalating civil unrest linked to October’s disputed election, which extended long-ruling party Frelimo’s stay in power. Opposition groups and their supporters claim the vote was rigged.

While Rafael blamed protests outside the prison for encouraging the riot, Justice Minister Helena Kida told local private broadcaster Miramar TV that the unrest was started inside the prison and had nothing to do with protests outside.

“The confrontations after that resulted in 33 deaths and 15 injured in the vicinity of the jail,” Rafael told a media briefing.

The identities of those killed and injured were unclear.

A report by the South African Broadcasting Corporation (SABC) said the prisoners overpowered guards and seized AK-47 rifles, allowing them to escape the correctional facility.

Mozambican journalist, Clemente Carlos, told SABC that the escapees likely took advantage of the Christmas holiday season, when fewer guards were on duty compared with regular working days.

“This shocking incident raises urgent questions about the state of security and the justice system in Mozambique,” Adriano Nuvunga, director of the Center for Democracy and Human Rights in Mozambique, wrote on X on Wednesday.

“Now, more than ever, it is critical for authorities, civil society, and international partners to collaborate to ensure public safety and address the systemic challenges that led to this situation.”

Meanwhile, at least 21 people, including two police officers, were confirmed dead during two days of violence over election results on Monday and Tuesday, including attacks on petrol stations, police stations, and banks.

The fatalities brought the death toll in the country to 151 since October 21, according to Plataforma Decide, an election monitoring group.

Al Jazeera

Africa

Glo Chairman, Mike Adenuga, Congratulates Mahama on Reelection

Published

3 weeks ago

December 8, 2024

Eric

By Eric Elezuo

The Chairman, Globacom Group, Dr. Mike Adenuga Jr., has sent a congratulatory message to Ghana’s President-elect, Dr John Mahama, on his victory at the polls to become the next president of Ghana.

Dr. Adenuga, a recipient of the highest honour in Ghana, and second highest honour in Nigeria (GCON), extended his congratulations via a statement he personally signed, and made available to The Boss.

He reflected on the joy and celebration that filled the streets of Ghana at the announcement, saying it is a testament of the “deep love and admiration your people hold for you, as well as the lasting impact of your remarkable legacy as a former President.”

Read the full statement:

DR MIKE ADENUGA JR.CONGRATULATES PRESIDENT-ELECT MAHAMA*

My Dearest Brother,

On behalf of my family and myself, I extend our heartfelt congratulations to you on your resounding victory in the December 7, 2024, Presidential and Parliamentary elections in Ghana.

The joy and celebration filling the streets of Ghana reflect the deep love and admiration your people hold for you, as well as the lasting impact of your remarkable legacy as a former President.

I will always cherish the unwavering support you extended to investors in Ghana, as well as the profound honor of receiving the highest Ghanaian National Honor from you in 2016.

May this second chapter of your leadership be even more successful and transformative.

God bless Ghana.
With warmest regards,

Dr. Mike Adenuga Jr.
(GCON, CSG, CdrLH)

Africa

Balthasar Sex Scandal: Equatorial Guinea Govt Files Formal Charges

Published

1 month ago

November 13, 2024

Eric

The Government of Equatorial Guinea has filed a lawsuit against Baltasar Ebang Engonga, former Director General of the National Financial Investigation Agency (ANIF), over allegations of misconduct involving a sex scandal.

In an official statement, the government gave reasons why Engonga is being prosecuted, describing his actions as “violations of the ethical and moral values of noble Equatorial Guinean society.”

The lawsuit was announced by Jerónimo Osa Osa, Minister of Information, Press, and Culture, who confirmed that the Attorney General’s Office would conduct a comprehensive investigation into the allegations.

According to local news platform Ahora EG, “This decision comes after several videos went viral in which Ebang Engonga is seen having sexual relations with multiple women, some of whom are married.”

The leaked videos, which have sparked outrage, prompted the government to take a stand on what it deems a violation of public morality and family values.

During an address on Friday, the government, through the Public Prosecutor’s Office, tasked with overseeing the case, intends to pursue administrative, civil, and criminal charges against Engonga and any accomplices, reiterated its condemnation of Engonga’s conduct.

The government emphasised the far-reaching impact of the scandal on social and family cohesion, stating, “In light of these serious events, which severely undermine family and social cohesion, and considering the negative impact that this situation has on the good image of our country, tarnishing its reputation, the government, through the Public Prosecutor’s Office, has commenced a thorough investigation to establish responsibilities at the administrative, civil, and criminal levels, given the possibility of a public health impact.”

Meanwhile, the investigation aims to address multiple issues, including the line between personal and public conduct, potential privacy violations, and damages to individuals’ honor and reputation.

The government affirmed its commitment to safeguarding the rights of those affected by the scandal, including the State itself.

Baltasar Engonga has been facing severe backlash after investigators discovered over 400 explicit videos involving him and the wives of prominent national figures.

The scandal surfaced amid a fraud probe into Engonga’s stewardship, leading ANIF officials to search his home and office.

During this search, investigators reportedly uncovered CDs containing the explicit recordings, which have since leaked online, sparking a national outcry and widespread media coverage.