U.S. Treasury Secretary Paul O'Neill and Irish rock singer Bono have just concluded a four-nation tour of Africa. During their visit to Ghana, South Africa, Uganda and Ethiopia, the two men studied ways to help the world's poorest continent. They bring two very different approaches to this pressing problem. Neither is likely to convince the other of the correctness of his own solution -- which is as it should be. Neither is going to work alone. Together, however, they can give Africa a future.
They are a very odd couple. Mr. O' Neill is the picture of starched-collar conservatism: As befits the Treasury Secretary in a Republican administration, he is a former business executive with a fervent belief in market forces. Bono is the lead singer of U2, one of the most famous rock 'n' roll bands in the world. Both are concerned about the future of Africa, home to the 28 poorest countries in the world, according to the United Nations statistics.
As expected, the two men have different ideas about the best way to help Africa's poor. Bono is a tireless campaigner for debt relief and public aid. Mr. O'Neill wants the private sector to do the job, arguing that assistance will be wasted without the institutions -- markets -- that will put resources to the most efficient use.