I have reached a point where I do not want to hear negative comments that a lot of people carelessly make about Africa. I am fatigued of listening to people continuously complain that the media’s general reporting on the continent is negatively biased; that the continent is faced with challenges of poverty; unemployment and crime, among many other issues. The fact of the matter is that all continents face the same trials. As much as I believe that some of the negative perceptions are valid, I also believe that that this negative picture has been painted enough times now, especially around Africa.
For Africans, a time to moan, complain and play the victim by point fingers at others is up! Not only is it time to act; to do something which will position this boundless continent in the best possible way but it is also time for Africans to be proud and put their destiny in their hands.
In my mother tongue (Shangaan), we say “mintirho ya vulavula”, which when literally translated means deeds or actions speak. Hence I say in order for us (Africans) to be proud, we need to get our act together. I strongly believe that a time has arrived that we as Africans take the bull by the horns and sturdily manage Africa’s reputation through our thoughts, words and actions. Other nations have been doing it relentlessly for ages and succeeded; and they continue to present their continents as glowing, prosperous and attractive locations. What limits us from doing the same? Does Africa not contribute to the current global socio-economic growth?
At the moment, this continent contributes an estimated USD 2.3 trillion per annum to global GDP (a drop in the ocean as it may seem, however, minus that figure from the global GDP and see what happens to the world total assets) and the future potential is enormous. Don’t most goods that are currently driving global economic activities and productivity originate in Africa? Is Africa not the hub for mining, energy and agricultural activities?
Therefore, I think It is about time that African Governments, Corporates, institutions, developmental agencies and individuals acknowledge that Africa’s potential is promising beyond words.
What I cannot deny is this: yes, African countries still need to come together and be united so that we can start not to only articulate the strides Africa is making to enhance the socio-economic development of our continent, but to actually begin to work together towards a common purpose and vision hence integration is urgently needed. As Africans we need to speak with one voice, we need to proudly present the fact that Africa has; and continues to be rich in knowledge, resources, people-power and values – not to mention the solar power that deposits bountiful, healing energy directly into Africa before it circulates to the rest of the world. Truly, Africa is on a developmental roll…
Co-ordination is key hence as a continent, we need to do the following:
Agree on an overall common developmental goal
Fulfill our responsibility of nurturing the continent
Recognize our distinct strengths
Interconnect our continental activities
Celebrate our achievements and successes
Aspire to win and succeed
Africa’s potential is untapped, therefore it continues to be immense – not only is this continent massive in size, it consists of one of the most positive; productive and youthful workforce and is blessed with large reserves of natural resources that continually anchor global economic activities. Perhaps one of the next steps for Africa is to develop and involve more of its youth in economic activities. According to the African Economic Outlook (AEO) 2012 report, human development, regional integration, economic and political governance as well as youth development have been identified as the main pillars for a prosperous future. All these pillars will inevitably position and anchor Africa to be the knowledge and resource hub that is supposed to be.
“Africa’s youth population is not only growing rapidly, it is also getting better educated. Based on current trends, 59% of 20-24 year olds will have had secondary education by 2030, compared to 42% today”.
Notably so, according to the same report there are two challenges though: access to finance and infrastructure – therefore it is important that Africa does not shy away from identifying current and future challenges. This exercise will assist with the process of putting in place robust measures that will ensure that the continent continues to play a significant role on socio-economic global progression as well as remain the source of solar energy, light and warmth for all.
The AEO is the result of a unique partnership between the African Development Bank (ADB), Organisation for Economic Co-operation (OECD Development Centre, United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), United Nations Economic Commission for Africa – it publishes an annual essential guide for monitoring the economic, social and political developments of the African continent.
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