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Blogger’s Swan Song

Shanta Devarajan's picture
This will be my last post on Africa Can.  Having recently started a new adventure as Chief Economist of the World Bank’s Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region, I will be blogging on that region’s issues in the MENA blog as well as starting a more general blog (tentatively titled “Economics to end poverty”) with some of my fellow bloggers.  It has been a privilege to moderate Africa Can, and I want to thank our readers for the stimulating, lively and frank discussions, as well as for having made this the most popular blog at the Bank.

For my swan song, I thought I’d share with you a video, based on Wolfgang Fengler’s and my recent article in Foreign Affairs.  I try to reconcile the optimistic and pessimistic views of Africa’s growth prospects and conclude that, if African policymakers and citizens could have overcome the political resistance to macroeconomic policy reforms, they can also overcome the obstacles to the structural reforms needed to end poverty on the continent. 

Let me know what you think.
 
Shanta Devarajan on Africa
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Blogger's Swan Song - Shanta Devarajan, Africa Chief Economist, World Bank discusses Africa's economic prospects.

 

Comments

Submitted by Zafer on

Dear Shanta,
I will miss your valuable reports/comments/articles on this fantastic continent.
I wish you all the best and success also for your new adventure.
Cheers,
Zafer

Submitted by Chola on

It has been a joy to read. I have found it particularly useful for keeping in touch on the issues affecting the rest of Africa, beyond Zambia.

Submitted by Austine Hillary on

It a shame that I won't get to read your post on Africa again (although it was of recent that I started following you blog). But still can't wait to hear your views on the MENA region. I am confident of your insightful and indepth views on development here. Warm Regards and Godspeed

Submitted by John Milton on

Dear Shanta,

I unfortunately discovered your blog in the last year only and will miss your opinion and frank views. Fortunately internet will keep your wise thoughts for years to come. I am sure that the MENA region will benefit with your appointment. There is a urgent need for vision, advise and leadership in that part of the world, without partisanship. You are sure the right appointee. Congratulations and good luck. PS. Who is taking your position for Africa at the WB?

Submitted by ngubia on

The solutions to unlocking Africa,s potential is sustained investment in capacity development, improving governance and policy developments; ie soft infrastracture

Submitted by David on

It's sad to hear you are moving to a new post and leaving Africa. Your posts have been of great interest to us and we as an organisation have benefited from them on a regular basis. On behalf of AfIA wi wish you all the best in your new appointment and thank you for keping us updated with your Africa Can... End Poverty Blog and we hope this happens one day that Povert Ends in Africa and remember to keep an eye and ear to know what is happening in Africa.

Submitted by Evelyn Konadu Attobrah on

Thank you Sir,

Africa is indeed moving forward despite the challenges the continent is facing. Please Sir how can Africa strengthen its micro economy? I know you are moving to the MENA region, however if I get answer to my question it would be of much help to me because am embarking on a project for the informal sector in Africa.

Thank you and God bless you Sir

Submitted by Butungi on

Your contribution has been inspirational. Congratulations on your new position and thank you for starting this blog.

Submitted by Leigh Thorsen on

So very sorry that this blog cannot continue. It has been so informative and helpful. Congratulations on your new appointment though.

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