The unprecedented global economic crises which have afflicted the whole world over the past two years have their origins in the advanced industrial economies of the West. While African countries bear no responsibility for this crisis, they are suffering its worst effects. They have been hit with falling prices, especially those countries that trade in a few commodity exports, and reduced capital flows as foreign investors exit these markets to shore up their losses at home and the level of r....

Most African economies rely on revenues from the export of natural resources to manage their economies. These revenues typically account for 70% or more of the government outlays and so fund public services essential for maintaining and enhancing the quality of life in one of world's most poverty-stricken regions. The links between resource development and public services mean that the global economic crisis has affected Sub-Saharan African countries in ways not experienced by other countrie....