Renowned Kenyan economist joins Board of Aid by Trade Foundation
Kenyan economist James Shikwati, who is known for his criticism of traditional development assistance, will join the Board of Trustees of the Aid by Trade Foundation. The founder of the Kenyan think tank “Inter Region Economic Network” supports the Foundation's innovative approach to development. The Aid by Trade Foundation transfers no funds to Africa, but instead supports and encourages African farmers, through its initiative Cotton Made in Africa, to play a direct role in helping themselves through trade.
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Kenyan economist James Shikwati
(© AdTF)
Cotton Made in Africa was created in 2005 by German entrepreneur Dr. Michael Otto and is a common-interest initiative comprising businesses, government aid organisations and NGOs that are committed to implementing sustainable cotton production in Africa. It is active in five African countries (Burkina Faso, Benin, Ivory Coast, Malawi, Zambia), helping the people there help themselves through trade.
The Aid by Trade Foundation was able to win over the Kenyan market liberal James Shikwati as a board member. "I support the Foundation and its initiative because it gives African farmers access to world markets," said Shikwati. "I think, whoever wants to help Africa should pursue trade with the continent and involve themselves in a localized effort, which will further increase value creation for the entire country."
The Board of Trustees of the Aid by Trade Foundation comprises leading figures from environmental organizations, public authorities and international companies. Chaired by Dr. Michael Otto, it is tasked with ensuring that the overall objectives of the foundation, i.e., the improvement of social conditions in Africa and to promote environmental protection, will be implemented in the long term.
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Dr. Michael Otto, founder of Cotton Made in Africa
(© picture-alliance/dpa)
The Aid by Trade Foundation
The Aid by Trade Foundation was founded in 2005 by the Hamburg-based entrepreneur and chairman of the Otto Group Dr. Michael Otto and has since then been an independently operating foundation of the Otto Group. The foundation's mission is to promote trade as a means for people to help themselves and thus ensure the preservation of vital resources and future generations in Africa. Cotton made in Africa, the first initiative of the Foundation, puts the name of the foundation, in the literal sense, into practice.
