Africa can reap dividends by learning keenly from China

A Kenyan youth working with China Road and Bridges tightens metals that will form Wangige underpass pillars under construction in Kiambu County. [Denish Ochieng, Standard]

Ancient African folk wisdom is usually heavy on anthropomorphism and may not be very tech-savvy. Still, it sometimes captures contemporary realities with an uncanny, almost prophetic, accuracy. Take for instance the popular children's story about Hyena and Hare, those fair-weather friends who one day, in an attempt to stamp their masculine authority, unadvisedly agree to teach their wives resounding lessons through severe, overnight flogging.

The foolish Hyena, according to the story, proceeds to butcher his spouse of many years deceived by false drum-beats in his friend's homestead, while Hare the drummer treats his wife to a massive, romantic shopping spree the next day!