2010 marks an important period in the annals of Africa: it’s the year of the World Cup on African soil, 10 year follow-up on the declaration of the Millennium Development Goals (MDG’s), 5 year post the Gleneagles G8 Summit commitments, 26th anniversary of the Ethiopian famine that claimed the lives of millions, and a year when 17 African countries are marking their 50th anniversary since independence.

And in spite of making tremendous progress in economic, social and political spheres, Africa is still regarded by the international world as a failing, if not a failed continent.

As part of the Annual Meeting of the Africa Progress Panel (APP) held in Geneva, the APP organized a debate in front of an informed audience to address issues on Africa where panelists led by Kofi Annan, chair of the Africa Progress Panel, Petina Gappah, Zimbabwean writer and winner of the Guardian First Book Award, Linah Mohohlo, Governor of the Bank of Botswana and General Olusegun Obasanjo, former President of Nigeria convened to deliberate on three main issues which we would want you to help discuss:

Is Africa it’s own worst enemy?

Does Africa deserve special treatment?

Does the world need Africa more than Africa needs the world?

A24 Media believes Africa’s increasing knack to tell its own story, its ability to weather last year’s economic crisis that devoured most economies in the world, the increased participation of women and youth in economic prosperity and the recent upsurge in crossborder trade has shown that the continent can stand on its feet without outside help.

Do you agree with our standpoint?

Do you agree with the panelist’s take on Africa and do the panelists and the audience per se fully represent the interests of Africa?

To view the entire debate click here to download.