Tuesday
December 11, 2012
Africa’s Future: Hope, and doubt, south of the
Sahara
On November 22, 2012, The Economist published an article
examining both the optimistic visions and the pessimistic visions of Africa’s
future. Numerous pundits foresee a bright future for sub-Saharan Africa.
Pundits muse that in this century, there is potential for what has
conventionally been regarded as “the Asian century” to turn out to be the
century of Africa. This point is highlighted by the fact that China is ageing
so rapidly that the population will likely get too old before they get rich.
This notion leaves room for Africa to emerge as a major player in the
socio-economic and political arena of international relations. Optimism about
Africa’s future is based on several observations: first, free and fair
elections are not exactly commonplace per se, but they are becoming more widely
practiced. Even more attractive to outsiders is Africa’s wealth of natural
resources- oil, gas, minerals, raw materials- as well as a “forthcoming
‘demographic dividend’ as a young generation of Africans move into the
workplace.
In contrast, there also exists much
skepticism regarding pundits’ optimisms about Africa. The current strife in the
Democratic Republic of Cong where the M23 rebels, backed by Rwanda and Uganda,
have seized the eastern town of Goma and are threatening to march west towards
the capital, Kinshasa. The outcome of the present situation is uncertain,
however the complex negotiations occurring between DR Congo, Uganda, Rwanda,
and the United Nations will definitely continue for quite some time.
The issue of Africa’s future is of
great importance for the African and global economy. The optimism highlighted
regarding Africa’s future stems from foreign investors who have become
increasingly drawn to the continent and its potential. This fact is importance
because is presents high hopes for increased international business, with
countries other than China, and the potential for future prosperity once the
younger generation comes to power. In order to combat the internal issues that
plague sub-Saharan Africa, whose population is becoming increasingly urbanized,
urban voters need to demand the better governance that the region desperately
needs. The likelihood that these demands will be met however, is slim given
that no democratically elected African leaders have governed well, raised
living standards and then voluntarily left office since 2009; these are the
conditions upon which some donor countries stipulate their aid funding, and as
African leaders have failed to meet these conditions, it will be difficult for
urban voters to achieve their demands for better governance.
Source:
"Africa's Future
Hope, and Doubt, South of the Sahara." The Economist. The Economist
Newspaper, 22 Nov. 2012. Web. 11 Dec. 2012.
<http://www.economist.com/blogs/theworldin2013/2012/11/africas-future?zid=304&ah=e5690753dc78ce91909083042ad12e30>
This ties in well with what we talked about in class on Monday. I agree that Africa has the demographic transition on its side, and the continuing discovery of natural resources like oil and natural gas can be used to greatly benefit the continent. It does seem like African leaders have consistently failed to deliver on good governance, and continuing problems with corruption may not bode well for the continent.
ReplyDeleteI agree, I would also add to that the increasing levels of education among younger citizens that we talked about on Monday as a definite plus.
ReplyDeleteI find it really nice to have something positive about Africa portrayed in the news given how much pessimism and cynicism seems to be associated with Africa. Much like how a while back in class Michael commented on the change from "The Hopeless Continent" Economist cover in 2000 to the "Africa Rising" cover lest year, I think many people are starting to recognize Africa's potential for the reasons posted in this blog, the comments, and discussed in class.
ReplyDeleteThat being said I think it is very important to attach these stipulations that many of the problems Africa faces can be "fixed" by the people who live there.
Despite the fact that there are many warning flags, such as no democratically elected African leaders have governed well, raised living standards and then voluntarily left office since 2009, I think Michael indicated a good point on Monday that even despite all these bad issues and difficulties Africa continues to survive and what doesn't kill you makes you stronger. Progress may be slow, but it is fathomable.
You mentioned that China's aging population leaves room for growth in Africa which I agree with and hope happens but would have to say that I am pessimistic about. My main concern would be that with poor healthcare and such low life expectancy in Sub-Sahara Africa that it would be hard to progress.
ReplyDeleteWhile I agree that we have yet to see a steady trend of accountable elected leaders and true free and fair elections, we do seem to be heading in the right direction. The education and global awareness of younger citizens is going to be huge. More and more small victories within the education systems and court systems will empower citizens in African countries and I think that will lead to a demand for proper elections and leaders. Or at least help a little bit.
ReplyDeleteI thought it was interesting how you brought up that China is aging so rapidly that they are likely to get old before they get rich. Though Africa has many struggles, it is apparent that many countries are stepping forward in the right direction. Though democracy has not been entirely successful, many countries are addressing their issues and are showing progress. Education such as 'Generation Rawanda' from class can build an educated continent filled with professionals. I believe there is hope for Africa.
ReplyDeleteI agree with the other comments that an optimistic view of Africa is refreshing. I think that it is hard for Africa to act cohesively as a continent when all the countries face a slew of problems unique to each country and further each region. In class we touched on the notion that smaller goals unique to each local population will promote improvement and solutions. The previous comment mentions 'Generation Rwanda' as a NGO geared at a specific and realistic goal. This is a prime example of a means to a solution geared specifically toward Rwanda that seeks realistic improvement. Each step made by one country in the right direction is an example for its neighbors to follow.
ReplyDelete