President Obama Pledges $3 Billion to Africa

As nations around the world grapple with economic woes and austerity measures, efforts are still underway to help Africa fight hunger. President Obama recently announced a $3 billion aide package that will tackle pervasive malnutrition in various nations on the African Continent.

The United States and other donor nations have tapped the private sector to lead the way in making what President Obama says are “historic investments.” Private sector donations in the area humanitarian efforts around the world aren’t new. But the alliance between donor nations and the private sector presents major challenges as nations are experiencing sputtering economies. However, the alliance seems to bolster the idea that wealthier nations still have a duty to assist struggling countries even during times of austerity. “Some have asked in a time of austerity, whether this new alliance is just a way for governments to shift the burden on to somebody else,” Obama said of the private sector commitments. “I want to be clear, the answer is no.”