Africa
Throughout much of sub-Saharan Africa, the economic, social and political legacies of colonialism still threaten the hopes of people struggling to ensure their well-being and determine their future. Widespread poverty and inequality within African countries and between Africa and the North, have only intensified as Africa continues to make net transfers of wealth to the North in the form of debt-servicing and the extraction of mineral and other resources. This entrenched economic subjugation and political marginalization of the majority of African people only serves to reinforce the likelihood of continuing impoverishment and conflict in many parts of the continent.
At the same time, the emerging strength of African organizations seeking solutions to the continent's problems is evidence that other Africas are possible. These organizations are opening and defending contested political space to promote peace and democratization locally, as well as more equitable relations for Africa globally. Inter Pares has accompanied the formation of organizations that are creating new avenues and defending the rights of citizens to a better future – whether organizing local communities in Guinea-Bissau, Ghana, Kenya and Sudan to improve livelihoods and resolve conflict, or at a pan-Africa level, mobilizing around critical policy issues such as environmental protection, accountable governance, gender equality, food sovereignty, trade, and human rights.
We also devote resources to strengthening the capacity of Canadian NGOs to collaborate on programming and policy initiatives related to Africa more broadly. This work includes animating inter-agency working groups and public awareness relating to areas in which we have strong programming ties. A key locus for Canadian NGO learning, collaboration and advocacy is the Africa Canada Forum, coordinated by the Canadian Council for International Cooperation.
| Reviewed July 15, 2011 |  |
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