[Type R]

On the other hand, we must be aware that the media have put an excessively bleak picture of Africa in our mind.

To get a good sense of Africa, you need to travel around a bit. I have been to: Arusha, Dar es Salaam, Kampala, Johannesburg and Lagos. It is not all terror and heart-wrenching suffering. In fact, even in the worst place (Lagos), I have had some fun. Dar is a peaceful city where you can walk at night. Kampala the same.

Africa does have some fine places. Botswana, Gabon, Angola, Equatorial Guinea, Sao Tome & Principe are all enjoying double-digit economic growth rates or stable quiet economies. In many countries, Presidents have quietly stepped aside when their time comes or when they lose elections (tell me!).

The continent suffers a major challenge that is rarely acknowledged: size. Africa is geographically massive. I think Western Europe can 'fit' in East Africa? Not that I am offering an excuse but at least we must appreciate the challenge.