Neil: Hello and welcome to 6 Minute English from BBC Learning English, the
programme where we discuss a topical subject and introduce you to some of
the interesting vocabulary connected to that topic. I'm Neil and with me today
is Jen.
Jen: Hi there.
Neil: It seems we can't go a day without hearing about the crisis in the Eurozone
getting deeper and deeper. And now it appears it could have a knock on effect
in Africa.
Jen: Yes, the continent is already suffering economically as a result of the Arab
Spring.
Neil: But is it all doom and gloom for Africa? Possibly not... We'll hear more about a
new report which has come out about the economic prospects for the
continent, but of course we will start as usual with a quiz question. Are you
ready for it Jen?
Jen: Yes I am. Hit me with it.
Neil: Okay. I would like to know which is the largest country in Africa? Is it:
(a) Egypt
(b) South Africa
(c) Algeria
Jen: Hmm, I wouldn't have chosen any of those but I'll go for (c) Algeria.
Neil: Okay, any particular reason?
Jen: I think it looks the biggest on the map, if that makes sense…
Neil: Okay. Have you ever been to Africa?
Jen: I have. I've been to Kenya, which is very lovely but not one of these options
so I don't know.
Neil: Is it a big country?
Jen: It is rather big, yes.
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Neil: But not as big as these, probably. We will find out the answer at the end of
the programme.
Jen: Now, we were talking about the economic outlook for Africa.
Neil: The African Development Bank has published a report which says that as the
Eurozone crisis deepens, Africa could suffer.
Jen: Listen to this first part of a report from the BBC's Martin Plaut. How does he
say the African economy could be affected?
BBC correspondent Martin Plaut:
If the Arab spring hit Africa's growth last year, it could be Europe that's the problem in 2012.
Europe's difficulties could reduce earnings from exports and tourism. It could also reduce
international aid and the remittances from African migrant workers. Despite this, the Bank
concludes that the prospect for the year ahead is generally optimistic, after what it calls a
decade of impressive growth.
Jen: He said Europe's difficulties could reduce money from exports – that's the
money earned from goods sold abroad. Tourism, international aid and
remittances could also see a drop.
Neil: Remittance is the money earned by people working abroad and then sent
back to their home country to help their families, for example.
Jen: So the continent is at risk, but the report suggested the prospect – or future
– is generally optimistic. It isn't all doom and gloom!
Neil: No it's not all doom and gloom – meaning bad and depressing news. In fact
the report claims that countries such as Niger are expected to flourish – or
even get stronger – as its growing oil industry will allow its economy to
develop.
Jen: And where else are prospects looking good?
Neil: Nigeria continues to look in good shape as its telecommunications and
construction industries are also expanding.
Jen: But there are a few things which will continue to cause problems across
Africa, such as unemployment and corruption. However, the report focuses on
one thing in particular that is essential to Africa's future. What do you think it
could be?
Neil: Listen to the next part of the report to find out.
BBC correspondent Martin Plaut:
This year's report focuses on Africa's youth. With almost 200 million people aged between
15 and 24, Africa has the youngest population in the world. And it's growing fast, with
numbers doubling by 2045. But the Bank warns that without urgent action to modernise
their economies, African countries risk wasting the potential offered by their youth.
Jen: So the focus of the report was…
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Neil: Africa's youth. There are lots and lots of young people in Africa. In fact Africa
has the world's youngest population.
Jen: Yes there are over 200 million people between the ages of 15 and 24 and the
number of young people is growing very fast. Can you guess what will happen
by 2045?
Neil: The number of young people will double, according to the report. So there will
be twice as many young people – 400 million. And for that reason, the future
looks positive for many African countries.
Jen: But there are warnings in the final part of the report. It says there is an
urgent need to modernise. If not, African countries risk wasting the potential
of all these young people.
Neil: But generally the outlook is encouraging. Many African countries are seen as
dynamic and exciting places to make investments.
Jen: Let's hope the warnings are listened to and African youth can fulfil its
potential.
Neil: OK, Jen, at the start of the programme I asked you a question about Africa. I
asked you what the largest country in that continent is. Is it:
(a) Egypt
(b) South Africa
(c) Algeria
Jen: And I said (c) Algeria because I think it looks the biggest on the map.
Neil: And well that is a pretty good technique because you are absolutely correct!
Jen: Fantastic!
Neil: OK, we've come to the end of today's programme. Would you mind just
reminding us of some of the words we heard today?
Jen: Of course, they are:
outlook
international aid
remittance
prospect
doom and gloom
dynamic
Neil: That's all we have time for today but do join us again for more 6 Minute
English and for more help with any aspects of your English language studies
go to our website BBCLearningEnglish.com. Bye for now!
Jen: Bye!
