Helping Africa

SIR – Priti Patel (Comment, July 9) writes that the pressures of migration from Africa to Europe can be addressed by Britain creating jobs in Africa and “buying African products”. This is a fantasy.

Africa has a population of 1.2 billion people, and this number is projected to double in 24 years. Which sectors can the required number of jobs be created in?

Surely there are more practical and realistic ways to solve the problem. Paul Fisher

Mougins, Alpes-Maritimes, France

SIR – As an entrepreneur and an ambassador for a number of charities, I must point out that much of the current debate about overseas aid lacks understanding of what aid really looks like.

In my work with Care International and Water Aid, I have seen many instances of aid giving people the helping hand they need to improve life for their families and communities, often by establishing small businesses.

During a trip to Cambodia, I saw how one small loan allowed a seamstress to purchase five sewing machines, establishing a sewing school to benefit the whole community. British aid can and does support those who are ready to work hard to get ahead.

Aid needs to be transparent and it needs to be accountable, both to the British public and to the world’s poor.

However, we should all be proud that Britain is a world leader in setting aside 0.7 per cent of our gross national income to help the most vulnerable. The “profit” is lives saved, and an opportunity for those people and communities to contribute better to their nations – and our global economy. Deborah Meaden London NW1