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In 2000, China agreed to share with African countries its experience in the field of investment promotion relating to the establishment and management of special economic zones. The Eastern Industry Zone was subsequently established. Of the various zones being built in Africa, Ethiopia's perhaps represents one of the biggest challenges to both the Chinese developers and the host government alike. Utilising insights from evolutionary economic geography and the work of Albert Hirschman, this article seeks to analyse the progress thus far in the Ethiopian SEZ. Spatially discrete, unfocused in terms of clustering and with few linkages to the wider economy, what impact, if any, the development of this zone will have on Ethiopia's structural transformation is discussed. The implications for Ethiopia's wider investment in industrial parks as part of its developmental state project is also drawn out. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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The article discusses the media's popularization of the Africa-rising narrative and other methods used to measure Africa's economic growth. Topics addressed include the structural and superficial characteristics of African economies, lack of evidence that increased capital investments are stimulating African employment, the occurrence of Africa's growth in the 21st century within the context of overall global growth, and lack of overall improvement in governance quality.

In seeking to cultivate external relations with African countries, China has long stressed its commonly shared roots with African nations as a developing country rather than a Western state, and as such the symbolic attraction of China clearly reverberates with many African elites who seem to look on China as a positive development model. However, it should be noted that this has not been embraced solely by dictatorial or authoritarian regimes but in fact China's approach to non-interference has struck a chord even with those democratically elected leaders in Africa. While such practices clearly benefit African elites, it is remains doubtful that they do so for ordinary Africans, although sustained analysis suggests that the potential exists, albeit hampered by the modalities of governance on the continent. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Nigeria has become one of China's most important trading partners. China is investing heavily in Nigeria in both commercial and political terms. This article analyses the relationship between China and Nigeria and suggests ways it might develop in the future. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Provides information on the United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD). Formation in 1964; Goal of addressing the various issues surrounding the trade and investment regimes that were felt to hinder development; Highlights of the February 2000 summit held in Thailand; Acute hostility to UNCTAD from the developed world.

Focuses on the overall growth and developmental record of Botswana. Classification of Botswana as an upper middle income country by the World Bank; Development of Botswana's educational and health services; Limitations on the credibility of democracy in Botswana.

In this article the author discusses how directing finance into building sustainable infrastructure in the world's poorest countries benefits the world. He notes the spread of the 2009 economic crises in developed countries to developing countries and the lack of personal and societal buffers needed to overcome economic hardship. He suggests that the tragedy of inaction consists of the two basic truths which are financial inequality and opportunity and ways to change this.

Abstract: Since ESA's establishment the context in which it operates has evolved greatly, from one of development of technologies and general competence to one of responding to the needs of an increasingly wide range of users, many of whose requirements straddle several applications categories. The IAP programme is ESA's response to this challenge, aimed at fostering the growth of a downstream industry, creating a market for the space industry and serving economic growth overall. The programme's structure and the platforms themselves are described and the programme's achievements and prospects presented. Its success testifies to ESA's continuing ability to adapt to changing environments and operate effectively in new sectors. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]