Introduction: Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) in Retrospect in Africa

Abstract

Since coming into being in the year 2000, the normative consensus that solidified the creation of the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) has been one that has been forceful due to the number of nation-states and international organizations that have rallied around the issue. The progressive nature of the MDGs and their integral role in mobilising resources to aid African countries is worth recognizing. Nonetheless, there remain concerns about the arbitrary way of measuring progress towards the goals and the fact that women, the poorest of the poor and those who live in rural areas tend to benefit less. The chapter asks two primary questions: what potential alternatives could replace the unattained goals once the 2015 deadline is reached? Do African governments have the potential and political will to carry these goals through? An editorial reflection on the various chapters in this volume helps us explore these questions in this particular chapter.