Why Turkish aid model is proving to be a success in Somalia and elsewhere

By RASNA WARAH

Thanks to China, a new development aid paradigm is taking root in African countries.

African governments no longer have to grin and bear the heavy-handed, top-down, paternalistic and patronising approach of traditional Western donors.

The new aid model, which is increasingly being adopted by other emerging economies, emphasises mutual trade benefits and infrastructure development, both of which have been credited with significantly improving African economies in recent years.

This model is in sharp contrast to that of traditional donors, which have been focusing more on humanitarian aid and governance issues and less on trade and infrastructure development.

The traditional donors’ approach is now increasingly being viewed as one that creates dependency and one that has little or no impact on economic development.

Though traditional Western donors are quick to point out that China’s record of human rights does not make it a trustworthy development partner, African governments have responded enthusiastically to Chinese aid, particularly infrastructure development.

It is no secret that lack of infrastructure is hindering Africa’s growth and that Chinese investment in that area is what is propelling the continent’s economies forward.

African governments have realised that poverty cannot be alleviated in an environment where there are no roads to allow farmers to take their produce to markets.

This is especially so where a large proportion of people remains poor due to lack of access to education and economic opportunities afforded by improved technical capacity and infrastructure.

Source: Africa Review