ANEW is Shaping the Emerging Pattern of a New African Economy

Jan. 14, 2010 - PRLog -- Most people have forgotten that Martin Luther King, Jr.’s next campaign after civil rights was economic justice across the globe, but starting in the United States.  In fact, MLK was on his way to Washington, DC, to do a sit in on the mall to address poverty when he was killed.  “This global generation can achieve what Martin Luther King was prevented from doing upon his death,” says Lauri Elliott of Shujaa Intermediary Network Consortium of South Africa.

The global economic crisis in 2008 and 2009 highlighted many weaknesses in the global financial systems.  One key conclusion drawn is that the systems are not designed to benefit the majority.

In addition, 2009 marked a tangible shift in influence on global economic systems.  The rise of the Chinese economy and the shift of global economic concerns from the G8 to the G20 are but a few.

There is still great concern as to how the effects of the economic recession and slow gaining economic recovery will have on the real economy and real people.  Around the world, driven by dissatisfaction and technology, alternative economies are emerging and gaining strength.

The concern is no less and perhaps greater toward Africa, which was making tremendous strides before the recession. And there is no less drive to form alternatives to support economic growth in African countries.

The momentum for regional integration within Africa has shot up.  In fact, COMESA and EAC announced they would open common markets amongst their member nations in 2010.  SADC, EAC, and COMESA are working on tri-partite agreements to accelerate regional integration.  A key expected result is greater intra-Africa trade, reducing the reliance of African economies on global trade for economic growth.  The goal is to work as an integrated economy like the European Union.

Recognizing African nations are headed in the right direction, but unsure of how fast the progress will occur, a few organizations posed a challenge question.  “What assets do African Diaspora networks and others who are interested in Africa have, and how can they be pulled together to accelerate economic development in Africa?”

It’s not necessarily a new question, but the current environment poses a unique opportunity.  So, Shujaa Intermediary Network Consortium (SINC) and NeuAfrika pulled together a strategy launch meeting in Washington, DC in December 2009.  SINC and NeuAfrika were joined by groups like the BIG-Africa Secretariat, Progressive National Baptist Convention, and Trans Africa Invest of Germany.  

The meeting was hosted by two local DC organizations – Alfred Street Baptist Church and the International Graduate University. Both possessing long histories focused on freedom.

The group formed is the African New Economy Workgroup (ANEW). The goal of ANEW is to shape a new “economy” from the innumerable networks impacting Africa from within and without (e.g.,), particularly at the grassroots level.

This alternative “economy” is open and inclusive, promoting economic opportunity for everyone.  The vehicle to drive the “economy” is for-profit business and trade.  It has the potential to give the old, and modern, African trade routes marked with slavery, greed, colonialism, and oppression with a fresh start.  It wouldn’t be instead of other economic systems, but designed to augment the strength of other economic systems while promoting economic opportunity through the global African networks.

There is recognition that when achieved, such a network (or economy) would have more economic strength than China and transcend the issues of national political and trade agreements more quickly.  “It’s something like applying crowd sourcing to economic development.  You can see the start of the potential in work done by organizations like Kiva,” says Lauri Elliott.

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