Should the West continue to ignore the overall needs of Africa's continental economy, then it shouldn't be surprised when it finally decides on long-term investments for natural resources that China has already set up shop and captured most of the contracts.

The celebrities' call to action on the famine in Somalia is welcome, but the bottom line is that these countries need sustained economic growth. Such strategies are not without risks, however. Businesses must not be permitted to abuse human rights. Foreign investment must not undermine sovereignty.

Prime Minister Harper's new government has indicated that Canada would not increase its bilateral assistance to the current governments in Egypt and Tunisia. Detractors might see a shift to more multilateralism as a pretext for a government keen to reduce spending.

Six emerging economies will account for more than half of global growth by 2025. But "emerging" is really a misnomer. These economies exercise their expanding power every day on every continent in every sector. The only thing "emerging" about them is how powerful they could become.