Dambisa Moyo: Stop Sending Aid to Africa

Summary

In a debate on foreign aid, former Bush speechwriter Michael Gerson critiques the effectiveness of aid programs, emphasizing the difference between aid to oppressive governments and initiatives like PEPFAR that have positively impacted health in Africa. He argues that while emergency and charitable aid are crucial, they cannot substitute for the responsibilities of African governments to provide public goods like healthcare and education. The discussion raises important questions about sustainability and the role of international aid in fostering self-sufficiency within African nations.

Takeaways

• 😀 Michael Gerson emphasizes that the U.S. shifted its approach to aid during the Bush administration, focusing on results-oriented programs.
• 😀 Gerson critiques the understanding of aid types, noting that humanitarian aid and charitable aid have distinct purposes.
• 😀 The speaker stresses the importance of understanding the limitations of charitable aid in driving long-term economic growth.
• 😀 The PEPFAR program significantly increased access to AIDS drugs in Zambia from 7% in 2004 to over 66% by 2009.
• 😀 The speaker argues that public goods like healthcare and education should be provided by African governments, not solely reliant on foreign aid.
• 😀 There is a concern about the sustainability of programs like PEPFAR, especially amidst economic challenges in the U.S.
• 😀 The discussion highlights a fundamental issue of responsibility: who should be accountable for providing essential services in Africa?
• 😀 The speaker raises a provocative question about the role of elected African governments if they are not fulfilling their responsibilities.
• 😀 Gerson acknowledges that while foreign aid programs can provide immediate relief, they should not be a substitute for local governance.
• 😀 The debate reveals differing views on the effectiveness and moral implications of foreign aid in fostering dependency versus empowerment.

Q & A

What is Michael Gerson's stance on U.S. foreign aid?

Michael Gerson argues that the U.S. has taken a new approach to aid, emphasizing the effectiveness of programs like PEPFAR that provide targeted assistance, such as AIDS treatment.

How does Dambisa Moyo differentiate types of aid?

Dambisa Moyo identifies three types of aid in her book: humanitarian aid for emergencies, NGO or charitable aid for specific projects, and longer-term aid that addresses structural issues in economies.

What achievements in foreign aid does Gerson highlight regarding Zambia?

Gerson highlights that, between 2004 and 2009, the percentage of Zambians receiving AIDS drugs increased significantly, showcasing the effectiveness of foreign aid programs.

What concern does Moyo raise about the sustainability of aid programs like PEPFAR?

Moyo argues that while programs like PEPFAR provide immediate relief, they may create dependency and do not address the underlying issues that African governments should be responsible for.

What is the moral imperative Gerson refers to in the context of humanitarian aid?

Gerson believes there is a moral imperative for the global society to respond to humanitarian crises, such as natural disasters, by providing aid.

How does Moyo view the role of African governments in providing public goods?

Moyo emphasizes that it is the responsibility of African governments to provide public goods such as healthcare and education to their citizens, questioning the effectiveness of external aid if governments fail to do so.

What criticism does Moyo have about the perception of African capabilities?

Moyo criticizes the perception that Africans are incapable of managing their own development, arguing that aid models often reinforce this view.

What was the implication of Moyo's statement about electing governments in Africa?

Moyo implies that if African governments are not delivering essential services, citizens may question the validity of their elections and consider whether external programs are more effective.

How does Gerson defend the effectiveness of U.S. aid programs?

Gerson defends U.S. aid programs by highlighting their successes, particularly in saving lives and providing essential services in regions like Africa.

What fundamental question does Moyo raise regarding future aid in Africa?

Moyo raises the question of whether continued foreign aid will foster long-term growth and responsibility among African governments, or if it will perpetuate a cycle of dependency.