Dialogue forum with Shikuku James Shikwati: Stop development aid! How the aid industry works and why it is preventing endogenous development in Africa. Monday, 14 January 2013, 7pm, GLS-Sprachenzentrum

On Monday, 14 January 2013 at 7pm, AfricAvenir is hosting a dialogue forum with prominent Kenian economist Shikuku James Shikwati with the title “Stop development aid! How the aid industry works and why it is preventing endogenous development in Africa”. The event will take place at the GLS-Sprachenzentrum in Berlin-Prenzlauerberg.

Is so-called development aid what it purports to be – support for the development of recipient countries? Or does it rather serve the geostrategic interests of the donor countries, as an instrument with which they can secure and expand their spheres of influence? Prominent Kenian economist James Shikwati is unequivocal: development aid should be abolished as soon as possible. It holds developing countries in a state of dependency and suppresses the entrepreneurial spirit as well as trade relations between neighbouring countries. But does the radical turn toward “free trade” that Shikwati propagates not lead onto the wrong, neoliberal track? Can “free markets” really be an effective tool for poverty alleviation in Africa?nShikuku James Shikwati is a prominent kenyan economist and author. He studied at the University of Nairobi and worked as teacher at Kiptewit High School in Kenya. He is the founder and director of the Inter Region Economic Network (IREN) as well as director of Students In Free Enterprise (SIFE Kenya) and is a fierce oponent of development aid. Shikwati also edits the Business Magazine „The African Executive”.nIn cooperation with Initiative Schwarze Menschen in Deutschland (ISD), Schwarze Frauen in Deutschland (Adefra), Afrotak TV Cybernomads, Jozi-tvandthe OSI-Club.

Monday, 14 January 2013, 7pm
Entrance: Donations
Venue: GLS Sprachenzentrum, Lounge
Kastanienallee 82
10435 Berlin Prenzlauer Berg
U 2 Eberswalder Str.
U 8 Rosenthaler Platz
M1 Schwedter Str.