Foreign direct investment and better governance are key to African prosperity

By Alex Singleton | 22 June 2005

From ManchesterOnline:

The majority of people do not believe the Live 8 concerts and demonstrations at the G8 summit will have any significant effect in tackling poverty in Africa, according to a new poll.

In a survey carried out by YouGov/Sky News only 16 per cent of respondents thought the concerts in London and cities round the world would make a significant difference.

Only 6pc believe the demonstrations outside the summit at Gleneagles in July, called for by Bob Geldof and Midge Ure, will have any real impact on poverty.

Instead nearly three-quarters of people believe decisions taken by governments in Africa have the biggest impact on the continent's economy and standard of living.

And more than half believe investment in Africa by major international companies holds the key to a better future.