Local trade as a means of combating poverty: the case Zando traders

Building the ground-floor economy is essential if the DRC is to significantly reduce poverty. At ground level, family and clan relationships, as well as ties specific to the so-called informal economy, predominate. Political rights are therefore absent. At ground level, well-supported entrepreneurs who succeed will move up to the first floor (the intermediate level). This level is subject to public and political debate, a certain dignity in social relations and a truth in social interactions. The crux of Fernand Braudel's thinking lies in strengthening the first floor, the only one that respects the rules. This is the challenge to be met in Kinshasa in the DRC and elsewhere in the country. If its middle floor is the most important, society is characterised by the dominance of positive-sum cooperative games and a reduced ground floor. Society will then be described as dynamic. Elites concerned with the interests of their people can rise to the challenge of economic and social development by working with China, emerging nations and the West. The top floor, where neoliberal globalisation reigns, is far removed from the people.

Pagina's: 60, Paperback, Our Knowledge Publishing