Africa is a spoilt child as a result of excessive pampering from the international community. From cradle to grave, the continent has never been left alone to chart its own course. Consequently, when faced with socio-political and economic challenges, it is ill prepared to forge solutions.

The WTO imbroglio is a clear manifestation that despite the pampering, Africa should not believe as it has all along done, that it is loved by the international community. A butcher does not sell his meat to you because he loves you. He is doing business.

It is with this in mind that the authors in this issue argue that the continent ought to redefine its position and make itself relevant in the global agenda through observance of basic developmental tenets, acting from self interest and creating products for local and international consumption.