I’m sorry you have such a negative view of business and capitalism — you are obviously jaded for some reason. I’ve done much more in Africa than just the Peace Corps. I’ve continued to work in and travel to multiple countries over the past 20 years. Peace Corps taught me about village life, the real Africa. It is very different from what is found in big cities.

It is very difficult for a country that exports raw materials to become rich. Africa needs more business and capitalism to develop factories and produce higher-end goods as China and India have done. Selling commodities is a difficult way for anyone to become wealthy.

The first world is far from innocent, no doubt about it, but foreign aid is just a part of how “influence” is generated. Business, especially local business, is the only way for Africa to progress.