They even had it on the news...(track 3)

Here is an article exploring the ties between Chinese businesses and Mugabe's government in Zimbabwe. Of course, the Chinese have been investing heavily in Africa for a number of years now (especially in the natural resource sector). However, the case of Zimbabwe is interesting because of Mugabe's oppositional rhetoric on foreigners somehow doesn't apply to the Chinese...

Here is a great article chronicling the southern Africa country of Angola's issues with water distribution. It also turns a critical eye towards the  discrepancy between the country's economic growth (measured in GDP) and the realities of poor folk. Using GDP as an indicator for "development" can be unrepresentative to say the least (just look at the United States!). Finally, this piece just reiterates how important effective infrastructure is to a country. They should be sending engineers on Fulbrights to engage in public works projects, not English teachers!

Here is a positive article on a successful public-private partnership in the province of the Western Cape. The program is countering rampant youth unemployment by starting young people off in apprenticeship positions with private firms. However, the students apply and are placed by the public sector. Interesting model that while just beginning, can hopefully be another route to putting people to work.