Its a mixed picture. In fact, making a change, and making money are orthogonal concepts.
In terms of empowering women, I know that there are micro-finance investments that are preferring woman as the intermediaries and mixing traditional risk models with social models. Also, Africa is also seeing a uptick in banking innovation, to resolve structural issues.
We've seen in recent times the Chinese investing in raw commodities investments without regard for the social premise of the investment, and actually raising living standards and reducing poverty to a greater extent than UN missions to Africa. Unfortunately the demand for such goods has peaked due to Chinese infrastructure now maturing. China has however established a development bank mirroring the IMF. There should be funds for promising deals notwithstanding suspicion of political motives.
Some investment is geared at 'change' but they tend to be NGO driven. This is partly targeting political reform and to support countries that are in danger of becoming zones where militants and extremists could be embolden.
Reviewing the data, Africa is making great strides, and I welcome people to view Bill Gates' talks on the matter on youtube.
In my view, the record tells me its the hard-nosed decisions that the Chinese have made that resulted in the best outcome for ordinary Africans above socially motivated investments. That's not to disparage those earnest efforts. Its just how things have turned out.
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