BBC World Service is airing a special program on Africa, “Global Questions: Democracy Versus Prosperity”, on Saturday, May 28 at 2:00pm ET and Sunday, May 29 at 7:00am ET. This will replace regularly scheduled programming at those times.
Program Description:
Democratic freedoms often go hand in hand with economic development. It’s suggested that sustainable and inclusive economic growth produces an educated and entrepreneurial middle class that, sooner or later, begins to demand control over its own fate. Eventually, even repressive governments are forced to give in. Should Africa focus on building peace, stability and economic development for all of its citizens before trying to establish multi-party democracy? Can we assume that with Africa’s current growth, political reform will follow?
Overall many of Africa’s 54 countries are enjoying impressive economic growth rates. Some fragile countries like Liberia, Sierra Leone and Rwanda have been able to move forward from legacies of violence but the economic situation in other African countries is worsening.
Rwanda is a fascinating example of the change that’s underway in Africa and the questions it provokes. The World Bank has praised its recent “remarkable development successes”, which it says have helped reduce poverty and inequality. But is there political progress to match the economic change we have seen? Will political and civic freedoms inevitably follow from inclusive and sustainable economic growth?
Zeinab Badawi brings together a panel of guests to ask: will Africa end up richer but less free?
Broadcast Details:
Airing: Saturday, May 28 at 2:00pm ET in place of HardTalk and Click; and Sunday, May 29 at 7:00am ET in place of HardTalk and Assignment.
Program Duration: 49 minutes 30 seconds (23 minutes & 26 minutes 30 seconds) or 59 minutes including the News Bulletins, billboards & promos).
Broadcast window: May 28 – June 25, 2016.
Download availability on www.bbc.co.uk/partners: from Saturday 28 May 20:00 GMT until 25 June 2016.