Bono's Op-Ed Column in the NYT: "Ten for the Next Ten"

(RED) co-founder Bono’s most recent op-ed piece for the New York Times was published yesterday. The column plays off the overindulgence of top ten lists that have been written and reviewed in light of the new decade upon us. And for that Bono’s column serves up another list of ten – but this list looks forward not backward, with “10 ideas that might make the next 10 years more interesting, healthy or civil.”

The one that means the most to us at (RED) regards the World Cup’s upcoming presence in Africa and the positive changes and growth for the continent that may result – we’re excited for the potential.

Below is an excerpt from the column. You can read the full article here.

The World Cup Kicks Off the African Decade

It’s getting easier to describe to Americans the impact of the World Cup — especially the impact it will have in Africa, where the tournament is to be held this summer. A few years ago, Ivory Coast was splitting apart and in the midst of civil war when its national team qualified for the 2006 jamboree. The response was so ecstatic that the war was largely put on hold as something more important than deathly combat took place, i.e. a soccer match. The team became a symbol of how the different tribes could — and did — get on after the tournament was over.

This time round, for the 2010 World Cup, naysayers thought South Africa could not build the stadiums in time. Those critics should be red-faced now. South Africa’s impressive preparations underline the changes on the continent, where over the last few years, 5 percent economic growth was the average. Signs point to a further decade of growth to come. Canny investors will put more capital there. This in turn has the potential to shore up fragile young democracies across the continent.

It would be fitting if Nelson Mandela, who has done more than anyone for Africa’s rising, would kick off the opening ceremonies. If he shows up, the world will weep with joy.