Global crisis could end Africa's brain drain

Friday, 12 June 2009

Speaking at the opening of the World Economic Forum (WEF) on Africa, in Cape Town, South African President, Jacob Zuma, addressed both the challenges and the opportunities currently facing the continent.

Zuma: "Africa can build on its human resources, its young and growing population"

Zuma stated that the global economic crisis could help to alleviate Africa's essential skills vacuum, with many African migrants deciding the grass was not necessarily greener abroad and coming home.

"Africa can build on its human resources, its young and growing population. The crisis provides an opportunity to alleviate the effects of the so-called ‘brain-drain,' by attracting the Diaspora back home to reconstructing the continent," said Zuma.

Zuma also highlighted that Africa is not without its own resources, a continent rich in natural assets, and must look to the development of these to help stem the impact of the economic downturn.

"The continent has the opportunity to diversify markets and products, including building the requisite infrastructure and systems for intra-Africa trade as well as South-South trade," Zuma said.

Zuma also recognised the challenges faced by the growing economies of Africa, namely the threat of growing protectionist measures being taken in developed countries.

To this end Zuma discussed the threat posed to many African countries that are still highly indebted and dependent on aid, and how the continuation of the current crisis will mean increased starvation, poverty and child mortality.

"We must cushion our people against the impact of the crisis as best we can, but we also need to respond in the spirit of planning for a recovery," Zuma said.