Modern trade holds African countries back, because international trade rules are designed by those who benefit from Africa's dependence. For example, the West's demand for rubber has led to the destruction of forests in Liberia. But the biggest profits went to the corporations that make tires. The same is true for chocolate producers in Europe, who import cocoa from Ghana and Côte d'Ivoire. Africa doesn’t manufacture goods; its countries just supply cheap raw materials. Then they’re forced to buy back the finished products at inflated prices. This exploitation can't be called trade, explains Professor Lumumba.
Trade that ruins, aid that kills
