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Why is Africa not Rich?

Africa has vast mineral resources, huge supplies of oil and gas, great fertile plains, but in terms of per capita income it's still the poorest continent. Why?

Africa has vast mineral resources, huge supplies of oil and gas and great fertile plains, but in terms of per capita income it's still the poorest continent. Justin Rowlatt speaks to Ghanaian economist George Ayittey, who has some outspoken views as to why that is. He says the legacy of colonialism is not to blame, and that foreign aid has done little to help the situation.

Also, Simon Jack speaks to the chairman of Standard Chartered, Sir John Peace, about why the British bank still does business in troubled Pakistan, despite all the risks - and about its controversial dealings in neighbouring Iran.

And we hear from Lerato Mbele in South Africa about the challenges facing young unemployed people.

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18 minutes

Last on

Thu 21 Nov 2013 08:32GMT

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  • Thu 21 Nov 2013 08:32GMT

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