The Self-deception Trap

„If too many roosters crow at the same time, dawn takes too long.” Prof Carlos Lopes uses this Zambian proverb to describe current relations between Africa and the European Union. In his book ‘The Self-Deception Trap: Exploring the Economic Dimensions of Charity Dependency within Africa-Europe Relations’, he describes and analyses the underlying power dynamics of this relationship, which was shaped by colonialism. In conversation with Christine Mhundwa, we will discuss his approaches for an equal partnership between the two neighbouring continents.
 
The work, which was published in 2024, impressively illustrates how the international financial system and institutions such as the IMF (International Monetary Fund) and the World Bank have shaped post-colonial African economies. Lopes analyses how development cooperation has created and continues to create dependencies, and describes possible ways out for the continent. He also urges us to question conventional ways of thinking about development and growth.

In an era of growing multipolarity and drastic cuts to USAID, the questions Lopes raises about a new ethical relationship between Africa and Europe are highly relevant.                                                                                 

With:

• Prof. Carlos Lopes (Professor, University of Cape Town, South Africa)
• Christine Mhundwa (Journalist, Deutsche Welle, Germany)

A cooperation between the Heinrich Böll Foundation and the Seminar for Rural Development (SLE) at Humboldt University.

Language: English (without translation)

Information:   Nicola Egelhof, Project Officer Africa Division, Heinrich-Böll-Stiftung     
E-mail egelhof@boell.de,
phone +49(0)285 34-345

Carlos Lopes is a Professor at the Nelson Mandela School of Public Governance at the University of Cape Town. A distinguished economist and development expert, Lopes has served in senior positions at the United Nations, including as Political Director to Secretary-General Kofi Annan and Executive Secretary of the Economic Commission for Africa (UNECA). He has also played key roles for the African Union, and in 2018 was appointed Special Representative for Partnerships with Europe. His work on Africa's development, governance and economic transformation has significantly shaped policy across the continent.

Christine Mhundwa is an international journalist and a professional conference moderator. Christine has a global portfolio in reporting, and facilitating high-level events and panels organised by international organisations and government ministries. Christine works as a news presenter, currently with Deutsche Welle, and a correspondent reporting from African and European countries on topics including geopolitics, economics, and current affairs.