President Obama and International Development

[Jenara Nerenberg]

I published a piece on NextBillion.net about the connection between Obama, social entrepreneurs, and business at the base of the pyramid. Hope you enjoy.

[Andoh Mensah]

Jenara,
I have just joined this online network today. I think you have done a marvellos job of raising a very important issue and perhaps after a real good detailed read I could present a meaningful comment. I do think however, that the opportunity has presented itself to bring the large would-be donors to a clear realization of the very woes and problems that development countries without strong private sectors deal with. The federal government in the US as it looks have to play a tremendous role in resetting the economic course and revitalize the US economy. The private sector which played a major role in the past seems to have encountered some bumps that has caused the financial/economic crisis we are currently dealing with. Developing country governments most of which have never had vibrant private sector economies continue to face this challenge. I am of the opinion that -- industrialized countries many of which are currently faced with economic meltdown and rising unemployment will be able now to understand better the pain felt by developing countries. This may be a blessing in disguise. Thank you
AM