World Bank Enquiry
Introduction
In this task, the hypothetical given is the World Bank has been asked to implement a new “development program” in one of the eight African countries (Angola, Botswana, Mozambique, Namibia, South Africa, Tanzania, Zambia, Zimbabwe). The program is aimed towards social and economic objectives based on the following criteria: Reduce the rate of natural increase, improve educational opportunities especially for females, foster economic development through trade and by raising GNP per capita, reduce indebtedness and ensure more equal distribution of wealth, and lastly, ensure access to basic needs and resources especially safe water, food and shelter. Therefore, I have been asked to decide one of eight African countries aforementioned that is most deserved the development program by taking demographic, socio-economic, political factors, and trade off into consideration.
Background information of Africa
Africa is the second largest continent and the most populous continent with 1072.3 million population in 2012 (World population data sheet, 2012). In addition, Africa is known as the poorest continent in the world; in African countries the percentage of population living below poverty line are among the highest. The countries have experienced lots of civil wars, with major civil wars such as Rwandan civil war (Rwandan genocide) and war in Somalia which hindered development of the countries affected by the wars.
Despite its rich availability of natural resources such as oil, iron ore, diamonds, and platinum, African countries are still lacking in ability to use the resources effectively. In fact, some conflicts in Africa were caused by the Foreign Direct Investment exploitation on the natural resources in addition to high level of government corruption.
Political map of Africa
(Bruce Jones Design Inc. 1992)
Africa is a highly indebted continent as stated in United Nation