by Diyaulhaq Bin Usman With the neglect of rural communities and the concentration of the ruling elites in urban centers alone, then development is nothing but a mere dream in a polity. Certainly no society can achieve its developmental goals without seriously addressing the issues of underdevelopment in the rural areas of that society. In …

“The media also neglects rural communities” Read More »

China’s economic growth has garnered international attention and debate. Latoyaa Roberts-Thomas, 29, a Commonwealth Correspondent from Trinidad and Tobago, had a chance to examine the issue from China’s perspective. I was privileged to visit China recently for a trade and investment seminar through the Ministry of Commerce, People’s Republic of China. Initially, I wondered how beneficial …

“Perspectives on doing business with China” Read More »

As Barbados prepares to celebrate its 50th anniversary of independence, Ashley Foster-Estwick, 25, a Correspondent from Barbados, looks at the water crisis that affects residents, government and the agricultural sector. As the festivities move into full swing, attracting thousands to our shores and boosting patriotic sentiments, there is another side to the Barbadian sentiment. It’s the …

“Water conservation is critical to agriculture” Read More »

As countries prepare to celebrate Christmas, Kelechukwu Iruoma, 23, a Correspondent from Lagos in Nigeria, writes that economic hardship is taking the joy out of the season in Nigeria. But as prices skyrocket and unemployment increases, a conference tells youths that creativity can be the solution to the nation’s recession. Some entrepreneurs have admonished Nigerians to stop …

“Creativity will boost economic development” Read More »

Unemployment for graduates is a chronic problem, but Badru Walusansa, 25, a Commonwealth Correspondent from Kampala in Uganda, writes the solution may be in on-job training that builds careers and society. Graduate unemployment in Uganda is stale news, with soaring figures of unemployment. Every year, both public and private universities release more than 400,000 graduates into …

“On-job training helps grad employment” Read More »

Some high-flying social enterprises in Ghana have been given business development support by the British Council Ghana, writes Michael Gyekye, 23, a Commonwealth Correspondent from Ghana, as he takes a look at two enterprises that recently won top awards. The British Council’s Global Social Enterprise Programme, which draws on the UK’s expertise to support the …

“Investing in success with social enterprises” Read More »

NGOs have played a critical role in many countries, but Badru Walusansa, 25, a Commonwealth Correspondent from Kampala in Uganda, argues that it is time for partnerships that encourage accountability and development. Non-Government Organizations (NGOs) in Uganda and elsewhere play a critical role in influencing socio-economic and political development. The year 1980 arguably marked the …

“NGOs should rethink dependency syndrome” Read More »

Sino-Singapore relations have been strained by tensions over the South China Sea dispute and the seizure of Singapore ships in Hong Kong. Ashley Tan Yu Yi, 16, a Correspondent from Singapore, looks at Singapore’s response to the political tensions. In the face of convoluted yet delicate quandaries, Singapore has continually maintained its adherence to international law and …

“Singapore relies on international law” Read More »

An economic system that allows individuals or groups to make economic decisions for a country serves the individual rather than the common interest, writes Samasi Anderson, 20, a Correspondent from Bayelsa State in Nigeria, while a free market economic serves the interest of capitalists. Having the interest of all in a political region economically, basic …

“A means to democratise economic policies” Read More »

Does Brexit mean the UK will offer better trade agreements for African Commonwealth Countries, or will it be business as usual? Folmi Yohanna, 27, a Correspondent from Kano in Nigeria, writes that the UK could maintain the trade agreements equivalent to the deal. “Wow! So the Supreme Court will decide whether to reject or uphold …

“Post-Brexit UK – better trade for African countries?” Read More »