Think about it. To be competitive in a globalized world, a country must have a literate, healthy labor force, infrastructure and a regulatory environment that welcomes foreign investment. Our foreign aid program has helped get Africa to the point where we can talk about mutual advantage and a partnership based on equality and sharing. A point at which we can realistically talk about trade regimes and sign trade and investment frameworks. Trade and aid.
Real partnership requires that both sides bring something to the table of mutual benefit.
There are three impediments to Africa confidently entering the partnership. Poverty, HIV and conflict. Years ago Madeline Albright and I shared a tent in a game park. That's one Africa. The Africa of progress and new Internet connectivity.