Share the article
twitter-iconcopy-link-iconprint-icon
share-icon
AfricaApril 3 2005

Building Africa

The policymakers of the African continent face some of the toughest challenges in the world today. James Eedes lists the eight most noteworthy figures who have worked to stabilise, reform and improve their respective economies.UK chancellor Gordon Brown has emerged as champion of Africa’s cause, arguing for a better dispensation for the continent. UK prime minister Tony Blair is getting in on the act. And ageing rocker Bono of the band U2 is also a campaigner. In all this, it’s easy to overlook the fact that even with debt relief, more aid and fairer trade, Africans themselves have to implement the right policies, justify often tough measures to uneasy electorates and resist fierce opposition from reluctant or corrupt elites. It is a job requiring leadership, tenacity and political nous.
Share the article
twitter-iconcopy-link-iconprint-icon
share-icon

The Banker has identified eight of the most important and outstanding policy makers on the continent. Rather than choosing the leading bankers or captains of industry, The Banker recognises that, across Africa – even in South Africa, the continent’s most developed economy – it is at government level where the greatest influence on economic development and growth lies. If Africa is going to change, it will be these and other technocrats who are architects of the renaissance.

Trevor Manuel, Minister of Finance, South Africa

Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, Minister of Finance, Nigeria

Anyang Nyong’o, Minister of Planning and National Development, Kenya

Polycarpe Abah Abah, Minister of Economy and Finance, Cameroon

Baledzi Gaolathe, Minister of Finance and Development Planning, Botswana

Kwadwo Baah Wiredu, Minister of Finance and Economic Planning, Ghana

Joseph Kabila, President Democratic Republic of Congo

Donald Kaberuka, Minister of Finance And Economic Planning, Rwanda

Was this article helpful?

Thank you for your feedback!

Read more about:  Africa