The Counter Productivity of Foreign Aid to Africa

By

Abstract

Africa has been a politically disturbed place for centuries, during which the African people have been struggling for independence, living in conflicts and continuous wars, and fighting against poverty and diseases. There are so many problems and issues in Africa that almost every country is caught in one trap or another except for a few who thrived out of their traps and achieved relative success in economic growth. Africa has been receiving aid worldwide, but things are not getting better.

Many theories might explain why Africa has been the poorest continent despite its many valuable resources and vast amount of land. In this thesis, I mean to test my theory that

Western influence has had a major impact on economic development and the progress of democracy in Africa. This influence, which I view as an ongoing effect that went through the past to the present, can be either good or bad. This process includes the colonial history, the resources and culture distribution, and also foreign aid, which I view as one of the major ways of implanting Western impact in the modern era.

Africa is in desperate need of foreign aid and foreign direct investment; however, the influences of foreign aid and investment on economic growth and democracy promotion are as yet unknown. I recognize that the potential positive influence of foreign aid and investment on Africa's development is hard to ignore; on the other hand, I think foreign aid and investment are hurting Africa's economy because many foreign aid programs are designed neither to fit the economic structure that leads to promising growth nor to meet the need of local people. Another concern is that foreign aid is far from enough to build Africa's economy and resolve issues because it is heavily unevenly distributed.

Dedication

This dissertation is dedicated to my God, parents, and my friends. I could not have completed my journey without their love, support, and encouragement. Throughout my journey my parents have show great support for me and they have always stood be me, and believed in me and my abilities, even at the times when I had given up hopes. But for the support and inspiration that these individuals have provided, I would not have been able to attain this goal. In all things that I do, I consider the impact it will have on them, and I appreciate their support in doing the same. Throughout the process of this dissertation, I found out that it is the desire to become successful in life, which at the end of the day makes the journey worthwhile.

Acknowledgements

This journey has only been possible because of God and his promise to make the impossible possible. There have been many times throughout this journey that I often thought of giving up. My faith in God not only helped me during those doubtful moments but has taught me that through God nothing is beyond reach. God, your will is manifested through me.

I wish to express my sincere gratitude and ...