Discourses on Development and the Realities of Exploitation :

Abstract

Despite the reputed ‘clash of civilizations’, the international dialogue is far too collegial,at least where African development is concerned. The African state of affairs, neither to be pitied nor deplored, is nonetheless in need of a lengthy and meaningful debate. Questions that discussants should ask – what constitutes development, to whom do Africa’s resources really belong, and when, if ever, would the ‘West’ suspend its project of managing Africa with only the thought of extracting its resources? This article offers a radical critique of the World Bank-led ‘development’ paradigm. It is a call not to bear arms against development agencies, but to reach into the minds as well as the hearts of those who would be preparing to work in such organisations. The main argument here is that Africa cannot cultivate its resources, its people and its environment, if it must contend with another century of imperialism dressed up as ‘development’.