Ours is the pivotal generation: the one whose actions will determine the future. This holds particularly true for those of us who call the big, beautiful continent of Africa, ‘home’.
If you analyze our history and reflect on all that’s happened, all the way up to recent events, there is one major conclusion to be drawn: Africa is quickly becoming the hub of the globe.
Let’s look at a few stats which emerged over the last couple of years:
- Pre-covid, we accounted for 60% of the 10 fastest growing economies in the world: Benin Republic, Tanzania, Ghana, Cote d’Ivoire, Ethiopia and Rwanda (naturally, the pandemic has dealt severely with the fortunes of these economies but if it could be done before…it can be done again).
- According to the UN, by Y2050, Africa will account for > 50% of global population growth: approximately 1.3billion people. Incidentally, a significant portion of that number is projected to emanate from Nigeria which will then become the world’s 3rd largest country, by population (we’re currently no 7).
- The Jack Ma Foundation created the Africa Netpreneur Prize and the Alibaba eFounders initiative. Over the next decade, the Foundation will identify and support 100 African entrepreneurs with mentorship, training, and a total of $10 million in investment.
- Google opened a new AI lab in Ghana and in 2019, Microsoft launched its Africa Development Centre (ADC) in Kenya and Nigeria.
- Global music icons have actively sought collaborations with our artistes.
Essentially, Africa is quickly overturning decades and centuries-old attitudes of ignorance, fear, disdain and condescension and emerging as a force to be reckoned with in academia, business, the arts, music and culture; indeed, ‘the dark continent’ is becoming a beacon of light to the world.
Add to all these, the fact that Africa is the ‘youngest’ continent in the world (with about 60% of its population under the age of 25), and you get to understand that the focus of all this attention is ultimately on the youth.
Because They.Hold.The.Key.
If the youth are the key to the future…then we must adequately prepare them to control it.
W.
