As the world has become increasingly richer, one place has been left behind: Africa

By more or less any indicator, the continent - or rather all but northern parts of it above the Sahara Desert - lags behind the rest of the globe in development terms.

The proportion of people living on a dollar a day in sub-Saharan Africa actually rose in the decade to 2001, hitting 46.6 percent, UN figures show. By comparison, only 2.7 percent of North Africans exist in such poverty.

Similarly, almost half the under-fives in the region are malnourished, while 920 mothers die per 100,000 live births, a figure almost twice as bad as any other region and 16 times more than that for East Asia.

The UN Development Program lists countries each year according to a composite "score" of development data such as incomes, health, life expectancy and education. The bottom 37 nations are all African.

The list goes on. While there are many shades of opinion on how to tackle Africa's woes, most people agree on the reasons why.

A difficult legacy of colonialism in many nations has been compounded by natural disasters such as famines and a disproportionately high number of civil and military conflicts, as well as corrupt, weak governments, experts say.

In particular, the continent is suffering dreadfully at the hands of the HIV virus, which has infected seven out of 100 adults in sub-Saharan Africa.

The leading cause of premature deaths in the region, AIDS not only devastates the present, it poisons the future, too - for example in 1999 alone, nearly a million children lost their school teachers to AIDS.

Yet some say the world is finally paying attention. The year 2005 was marked by a series of initiatives to help Africa.

In March, the British-led Commission for Africa, a forum grouping together leaders from the continent and elsewhere, published its prescription for change.

British Prime Minister Tony Blair - who talked of the "immense and powerful moral cause" of helping Africa - then made the continent the centerpiece of the annual summit of the G8 rich nations' club he hosted in Scotland in July.

That meeting agreed a series of measures, not least $50 billion dollars a year in extra aid for developing nations, as well as some debt relief.

Days before the summit opened, the massive Live8 series of rock concerts around the world broadcast an impassioned message demanding debt relief, trade reforms and other measures.

Campaigners say that while much remains to be done, 2005 was something of a landmark year.

"I think 2005 really did focus a lot of attention on Africa, and the Commission for Africa helped with that," says Duncan Green, head of research for aid charity Oxfam.

"It was part of the wider efforts to say: 'Hold on a minute, it's the 21st century, it's just ridiculous that these large parts of the world are being left behind, and in some cases are getting worse."

There was been a "sea change" in the way politicians from richer nations talked about Africa in 2005, according to Green.

"But nothing in politics is static, and there will be a whole lot of other pressures pushing politicians in other directions this year," he warns.

"It's going to be very important that we keep an eye on the poorest countries and make sure they actually benefit from some of the promises. They could easily fall back off the agenda, both for the public and politicians, and we have to make sure that doesn't happen."

How can Africa be helped?

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Most Africa nations have vast resources, which have not been tapped to their potential. But the major problem is the incitement which leads to continuous wars. If they just avoided such forces are concentrated on the future of Africa and then the generations to come will see their fathers struggled for their better lives.

We Africans have the keys to our socio-economic and political development. Our (African) leaders must envision desired states for their individual countries and for the continent as a whole. When we envision these desired states as our goals, we must plan and begin to work towards achieving them step by step. I do not care how long it takes but if we can all imagine how we want Africa to be, no matter how remote it seems now, we would get there... that is what we need.

The solutions to the numerous African problems lie in Africa. African leaders must wake up from their slumber and utilize the gains from globalization.

African states need leaders devoid of corrupt tendencies. Nothing worthwhile can be achieved without sound knowledge and perception.

Africa needs basic economic and leadership transformation. Our current leaders lack the economic vision to transform the continent. We need a micro-credit scheme that is self-sustaining and directed to the communities and not NGOs or government departments.

Africa also needs a political awareness for the populace to understand that a corrupt politician who buys his way into power will most likely plunder the treasury and introduce gigantic projects that creates more room for embezzlement.

I continuously see how well it is going in South Africa, but no reports are made of the many people killed every month in the country, and steadily rising. With the World Cup coming up, and funding being diverted from healthcare and hospitals to stadium building, I think this could make and excellent topic to report on.

Africa needs highly its long awaited independence. No matter what amount of aid you send, some people do not have the basic right to democratically elect their president.

Having been born in Africa, all I can say is corruption, corruption, corruption.

Money is being donated to government, but not distributed down accordingly. The funding seems to be used for salaries and wages, consulting and more consulting. There are no deliverables. The countries are getting poorer by the minute and all the rest of the world can do is consult and opioniate.

Why bother donating? Is it worth it? The government gets richer and more corrupt and the people are suffering because of it.

Do not donate to government -- donate to communities.

What should be done about the situation that we face in Africa can simply be summarized under two headings: increased economic development and governance. Toward this end we should aim to have leaders in our midst who can take the mantle from the politicians we have at present.

Africa needs selfless leadership, and the developed countries should assist by facilitating anti-corruption measures, because most stolen wealth finds its way to developed countries. To an extent, corruption is found all over the world, but the case in a country like Nigeria is that it is paralyzing to economic growth.

I urge aid agencies, do not work with the government or NGOs since most of the money given them goes into consultancy. Instead, work directly with communities, set up economic activities for them to manage. Most importantly, we Africans have to wake up and make that change!!!

I honestly think the solution to the African crisis is within our own territory -- we have to adapt a logical approach to sustainable development.

The road to economic development will only come when we obey the basic principles of life: shunning "evil" and loving your neighbor as you love yourselves.

The economical potential of Africa is high due to the vast amount of resources in its possession. This resources can be utilized properly for the benefit of Africa only with a united Africa.

Most of the countries of Africa have high potential economically. A good deed for the development of Africa is to review the conditions that they are given when getting their loans.

The IMF and the World Bank play a big part in the neo-colonialism of Africa. Developed countries can help technologically; instead of fueling loans in Africa they should help in building huge projects by providing technology and the expertise which should be in the favor of African countries.

Over the years we have been witnesses to a vast amount of African resources leaving Africa to the satisfaction of a few. If only half of what leaves Africa could remain in Africa then in near time to come, they would be no tears in Africa.

Having been to Africa and seeing the ease of corruption, I can truly see Africa needs to start by helping itself. The people are wanting to do this but the governments are not helping the people or the country, just their own self interest. People of Africa need support. Use relief and religious organizations to help the people, not the governments.

Again I reiterate that while there is general problem of leadership in Africa, the solution to the problems of the continent must start from the followers.

It's ironic, so many 'aid' programs, campaigns of reforms and yet things still look the same. Change doesn't just happen, the people have to be willing participants, in spite of the odds.

Look at a country like Zimbabwe. Mr Mugabe's role in the country's independence cannot be marginalized. But for God's sake he's been there since independence, inflation is speculated to get over 1,000%, there are reports of opposition crackdowns and Mr Mugabe is even accused of bastardizing the economy with his brand of colonial-era leadership. Yet he is seeking a constitutional amendment to continue in power ..... ultimately the people will either get fed up of the status quo and demand a change or watch as things continue along the same old path.

This problem, simply put, has not attracted the leaders of the US government. My belief is this is because of the lack of self interest. If they had something that America needed, then the poverty level would have been taken care of many years ago.

This is a sad situation that will require countries making the effort, no one "rich" person can handle something so out of order. Teachers of birth control, funds devoted to this cause being tracked to see that the right people get the funds, buildings for humanity.

Can Africa be helped? That is an interesting question. The real one should have been, can the Western world be fair to Africa?

It's striking that most people in the Western world believe that Africa is one big country where one size should fit all. The same policies are not implemented in Asia and South America. My point is simple: everybody should stop the one-way thought and begin to consider Africa as a collection of independent states with diverse people, culture and way of life.

Africa should be the United Nations' only concern. Take it over, all of it. Then start from the top and work down.

Africa can only be helped by its leaders doing what is right and stopping what is wrong, then the citizens looking out for what they can do for the country and not what the country can always do for them.

The developed world's population do not know enough about these problems. What we need are more awareness campaigns because there are many people who are willing to help.

Act like a continent: the few are in charge, the many must stand up.

The major cause of African under-development is the issue of ignorance, particularly in the area development and civilization. To help Africa, there is a need to build developmental consciousness of the civil society.by the means of education and capacity building.

There is much talk about helping Africa out of its problems. However, I believe that the issue is not only about 'helping,' if the word is taken to mean charitable disposition towards a 'needy' member of the global community.

Real 'help' is to be preceded by certain fundamental changes in the current architecture of global governance. Not a few would agree that the current manner in which economic and political power is exercised has contributed significantly to the creation of economic, social and political conditions that Africa now needs desperate help to overcome.

Apart from politically expedient rhetoric, it is difficult to identify aspects of foreign and economic policy of developed countries that suggests an appreciation of the importance of a strong and economically viable Africa to their economic aspirations!

It is only when these fundamental policy changes are made that subsequent actions can be called 'help.' Then the issue will be about helping Africa to take advantage of new opportunities, created by new policies and disposition of the developed world.

Maybe by that time, we shall be seeing new forms of foreign investment, foreign aid and development assistance that do more for Africa's development than for the economic and political interest of developed countries

I totally agree with Joe Miner (below) that the very West which is frowning on corruption is the same one spearheading it.

As long as African leaders -- though they may be as corrupt as the sun -- are sending wealth and resources to Western countries, those countries turn a blind eye and embrace these very same CORRUPT African leaders who treat their own people like trash and dirt.

And then we want to talk about Saddam Hussein being a dictator, corrupt, and killing his own people? How about Charles Taylor of Liberia? Or about the dictatorship in Sudan right now?

Nigeria is one of the biggest suppliers of oil in Africa but who is enjoying the oil benefits when most Nigerians are living in poverty? What is the West doing to solve this problem in Nigeria, except though the West opening up its gates to get the oil?

As long as Nigeria does what the West wants it to do, Nigerians could be killed by the dozens every minute and Nigerians could eat dirt from the streets, the West will turn the other way.

There is no level playing field and this is why Africans fight and kill up each other so much: because they are tired suffering. No food, no schools, no lights, no safe drinking water, no fitting hospitals, yet Africa has gold, diamonds, oil, rubber, timber, bauxite, iron ore, etc, and to top it off Africa has the best weather any continent could have.

The Western banks should stop keeping our stolen billions, and expose the corrupt leaders.

Comment:

Is foreign aid a waste of time? No, I do not think so. But to me, the funds should never have been given to the government agencies of African nations. It was and it is the biggest mistake done. Why?

Because of the gross endemic corruption prevalent in these agencies/governments, particularly in my country, Nigeria.

There ought to be joint collaboration between the donors of this aid and those communities/individuals that need infrastructure/assistance. Wherever there is a need for aid/assistance, the donor must as a matter of urgency set up a monitoring team and deal directly with these communities/ individuals.

Where do the corrupt leaders take the loot to? Simple, Europe and America. So there you are, it takes two to tango! The West doesn't want to get serious about this problem yet. Maybe the end justifies the means, huh!

African can be helped through the UN's aid and assistance, through the AU (African Union) and other united bodies.

Send food and money. Maybe the UN can help. I am on a team in school called M.U.N. (Model United Nations) and we talk about Africa all the time....we think that every nation could pitch in whether they like it or not. Hillary.

Education is the key to success for any nation, Africa is no exception to this. Educational facilities should be given to all the people, free of cost and particularly to women.

Political stability should be maintained in order to bring to social and economic development.

Africans need to be educated. Bad leadership must be eradicated in Africa. This is because poverty in Africa is caused solely by corrupt leadership which is basically allowed because of lack of education and awareness within the populace.

Even though Africa receives aid, the people who need it most do not end up with any of it. It mostly ends up in politicians' pockets. Follow-ups need to be carried out in order to ensure that money is received by the needy and not politicians.

Africa needs not only leadership but commitment to change the present situation. That change cannot happen through violent and corrupt means. It also cannot change by simply putting money in the hands of African states' governments.

The international community and aid agencies need to have direct intervention by working together with the general populace, either directly or with the African states' governments.

While Afican states might view this as an attempt by outsiders interfering in their country affairs, i believe its the practical solution. Direct intervention will have the desired results.

The problem of African economic development can only be solved when the political elites decide to change their orientation, that governance is service to the people, while the governed must be ready to contribute their own part. The continent has enough material and human resources.

Without political and economic freedom.Africa will never actualize its potential to develop as a continent.

So many people believe corruption is Africa's major problem. It is not. Rather, the problem is African society.

In most African societies, if at the end of a tenure in office one cannot build a mansion and drive an SUV, that person will be labelled a fool. No one will like to be seen as a fool. To this end, everyone tries to prove how wise and smart he or she is to the admiration of all. Sooner or later, society pays for this.

Hi, I would like to say thanks for the great article about my beloved home continent.

I am originally from Ethiopia, East Africa but now i live in Stockholm, Sweden. I think that Africa will one day become a very rich continent. The thing we should help Africa with is education in many subjects, such as equality, bribery and other problems which are the real problems for Africa.

Education is a way to freedom. Many of my African friends living in Africa are transformed thanks to education. Through education, Africans will rise and realize that they are not less than anyone on earth. Education will help Africa.

There are many types of education and Africa needs to get a better educational plan. I hope that Africa will one day help the world just like the world is trying to help Africa.

Africa's problems are clear - no leadership, all we have is rulers who use opportunities they have to enrich themselves. We, the African people need to stand up and speak up against this norm.

A revolution of some sort might put the politicians on their toes and make them know that we know what we want and we don't mind paying the ultimate price for it.

What happened to the impetus from 2005 -- the International Year of Microcredit? Small loans for small businesses help the poor create their own pathways out of poverty. It can be one form of effective foreign aid from the wealthy west.

Microcredit is the "something to work with" sought by E.I. Efiong of Lagos (see below). It's a hand-up, not a hand-out.

Not our problem.

Africa is suffering from bad leadership. Who are they? Africans. The way out? Mass reorientation of all Africans about the level of the damage and a vigorous advocacy against misrule at all levels.

Africa's problems are basically economic and political in nature. What the West is doing in the Middle East as regards intervention against governments with policies which threaten their security is a pointer to the will of the West to solving certain problems.

We have seen the West insist on democracy and democratic practice in Africa -- this to a large extent has seen some change in the way of life and standard of living of many Africans but poverty still remains a major challenge.

Aid is good, but there should be some way for fairness in trade and its conditions. If as much money was directed towards funding agriculture, water, power supplies and the processing of our numerous mineral and natural resources it would address to a large extent the poverty problem.

The solution to Africa's problems is simple! Stop throwing money at our corrupt leaders to squander, provide support to genuine businesses in the form of simplified equipment guarantees, support the construction of basic infrstructure such as electric power, rail, roads and airports where necessary.

The regular African is hardworking, all he needs is something to work with, not hand-outs.

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