Cameron joins the scramble for Africa

As James has said, David Cameron is in South Africa for the start of a two day trip to Africa to promote free trade and foster trade links. He projects his vision in an article for South African Business Day:

‘In the past, there were marches in the west to drop the debt. There were concerts to increase aid. And it was right that the world responded. But they have never once had a march or a concert to call for what will in the long term save far more lives and do far more good — an African free trade area. The key to Africa’s progress is not just aid. It is time for some fresh thinking. Consider these facts. An African free trade area could increase GDP across the continent by an estimated $62bn a year. That’s $20bn more than the world gives sub-Saharan Africa in aid.