A new lecture series seeks to raise awareness about pivotal issues and emerging trends in international development by bringing prominent figures in the field to Ireland.
Minister of State for Trade and Development, Jan O’Sullivan launched the Development Matters earlier this month at the Institute of International and European Affairs.
The first lecture focused on the changing environment within larger African countries, such as South Africa, Nigeria and Egypt. These countries have consistently put up an average growth rate above five per cent since 2000, according to the minister.
Prof Mthuli Ncube, chief economist and vice president of the African Development Bank, delivered a keynote address on African policy and the role of private business.
According to Ncube, Africa’s development challenges include an infrastructure deficit worth about $45 billion annually. However, he said that opportunities would be found in developing better relationships with new partner nations.
Focusing on the ways in which African nations can build upon the growth of a middle class with improvements in infrastructure regulation, Ncube said that this would promote growth by utilising direct foreign investment and philanthropy from the private sector.
Minister O’Sullivan ex-pressed the wish for a new relationship with Africa based on politics, democracy and trade, with decreasing dependency on foreign aid.
“It is right we do so, and it is also in our interests as a country,” she said.
The series is being held in partnership with Irish Aid, the Irish Government’s programme for overseas development.
