A debate held at the House of Commons in London on November 19th will gather experts in the field of development to talk about Rebuilding Zimbabwe: Does China offer a better development model than the West? We are proud to announce that one of the keynote speakers is Mbongeni Ngulube (Researcher, Institute for Anthropological Research in Africa, University of Leuven, Belgium), a former student and one of our guest professors this year.
The policy discussion debates whether the West European model of development is really appropriate for the Zimbabwe case or whether countries like China offer a better growth path: state-led as opposed to business, or private-sector led development paths aligned to free market thinking. In addition, speakers will explore possible new models of development for Zimbabwe.
The debate is hosted by the Zimbabwe Diaspora Focus Group (ZDFG) and Africa – UK:
“Discussions about China’s influence in Africa largely separate observers into two opposed camps: those who see China as a neo-colonial oppressor intent only on accessing Africa’s natural resources, and those who see China’s approach, based on sovereign integrity and non-interference in domestic affairs, as an alternative to failed Western aid. This platform will offer the Zimbabwean Diaspora in the UK an opportunity to debate, among other models, the effect(s) and opportunity presented by China’s presence in Africa. In attendance, we anticipate Parliamentarians, parliamentary staff and members of the Zimbabwean Diaspora in the UK.”
Visit the event for more information and to register online.
REBUILDING ZIMBABWE: Does China offer a better development model than the West?
18:30 – 20:00, Monday 19 November 2012, Committe Room 6
HOUSE OF COMMONS
Westminster, London UK
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