“The rise of Africa narrative is not a fluke, it’s a trend.” – Ngozi Okonjo Iweala
The thought of a self-reliant Africa, quite frankly, seems impossible, particularly given the issues that plague the continent; unstable governments, exploited natural resources, declining economies and corruption. But when an economic expert like Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala says it’s attainable, then best believe it is. The questions are, when and how?
The gospel of the ‘Africa Rising’ narrative have been preached for so long, people are beginning to grow weary of it. Although significant strides have been made in certain sectors within countries in the last few decades, in general, the progress made still falls below par. Early last year, Tanzanian millionaire, Ali Mufuruki, did not mince words when he said “Africa is not rising.”
Although he did admit that things are better than they were some years ago, the growth rate is far too slow and the percentage, far too little. “If China could rise at 18 percent at the peak of its rising, why would a 6 to 7 percent growth in Africa be called impressive?” a discontented Mufuruki asked. Has Africa accepted a mediocre definition of what it means to grow?
Speaking at the recently concluded TEDSummit 2016, Dr. Iweala said she envisions a day, not too far off, when African nations will boast stable governments, economies and natural resources that will in turn promote long, peaceful continuums that are crucial to productive human endeavour, happiness and progress.
Referring to the African Risk Capacity, a special insurance agency created by a coalition of 32 African nations as an example of a continent “ready to take responsibility for itself and look for solutions for its own problems,” the two-time finance minister of Nigeria said the Africa rising narrative is no fluke, “it’s a trend.”
However, she did admit that the journey to becoming a self-reliant continent won’t be an easy one. After stating some of the things that Africa has gotten right including managing economies, decreasing conflicts, a broader deployment of technology and child education, she proceeded to list a number of things that the continent had failed to do. This includes the failure to provide quality jobs, bridge the gap on income inequality, increase investment in infrastructure, increase trade relations between African countries and tackle corruption.
But these negatives do not in any way inundate Dr. Iweala’s vision of a self-reliant continent in the near future. If we can unleash the power of our youth, our women — the trend is clear, Africa will continue to rise.” If anything, Dr Iweala’s TEDtalk surely revives lost hope for Africans who may have given up on the narrative of a progressive continent.
