Promoting enlightened engagement between Africa and
America through education, training and dialogue.

Feb 24, 2004

Rural Growth: A Critical Component of Economic Progress in Africa

Peter McPherson, President of Michigan State University offered valuable commentary on “lessons that the development community has to keep learning.” He reminded attendees of the importance of “helping people to alleviate and lift their own burdens,” and the role that aid to rural Africa provided in the continent’s overall growth strategy. Before becoming President of Michigan State University, Mr. McPherson served as the Principal Fiscal and Economic Policy Advisor at the U.S. Office of Reconstruction and Humanitarian Assistance (ORHA) in Iraq, the Deputy Secretary at the U.S. Department of the Treasury, and an Administrator at USAID.