Africa is regarded as one of the richest continents in terms of resources and its favourable geographical realities. Comprising 55 countries, Africa boasts a very diverse populace that makes it both unique and beautiful.
The African People
As per the recent statistics, Africa has a population of approximately 1.5 billion people distributed across the continent, making it the second most populous continent in the world after Asia. It is also worth noting that 60% of Africa’s population is below 25 years, making it the youngest continent in the world. It is projected that by 2050, one in four of the world’s population will be African, and this shift is already being seen in the current statistics. It is undeniable that one of Africa’s most important resources is its population, especially its youthful population.
Africa’s Arable Land
Did you know that Africa has the most arable land? Over 60% of the world’s most Arable land is found in Africa. This means that Africa has the capacity of not only feeding its growing population but the globe. With the employment of modern technology and innovation, food insecurity stands no chance in the African continent.
The Minerals Beneath Africa’s Landscape
Beneath Africa’s beautiful landscape lie numerous mineral deposits, just to mention a few: Gold, Diamond, crude oil, cobalt, uranium, coltan and titanium, among other minerals. According to the World Gold Council, approximately six African countries feature in the top 20 list of countries with the highest Gold production. Over 60% of the world’s Coltan, a metal used in the production of electronics such as phones, is mined in Africa.
The Big Question
With Africa’s diversity, youthful population, vast arable land and endless mineral deposits, it is obvious that Africa should be one of the richest and a self-reliant continents, but is this the case?
Unfortunately, that’s not the case. Despite the tremendous progress Africa has made over the decades especially post independence, Africa still faces a number of challenges. We have challenges in leadership and governance in a number of African countries, corruption is hampering development, a number of African countries are at war,intra-Africa trade and movement is still not seamless as it should be, the cost of living is high, the burden of foreign debt is being felt and poverty is still alive and kicking.
Africa’s Potential & AfriWeza
Amidst all these, Africa remains to be a high potential continent, a very promising continent. We believe that Africa can be the best version of itself. Africa has the capacity to be self-reliant, to innovate, and to sustain its growth. The continent possesses immense potential to drive its own development while contributing meaningfully to the global economy. It is on these premises that AfriWeza was born. Inspired by two words, Africa and Weza, a Swahili term meaning “Can”, we believe Africa Can.
The Solution AfriWeza Brings
AfriWeza exists to nurture the socioeconomic possibilities we see in Africa. We endeavor to empower organizations, businesses, startups, leaders, and communities with the skills, tools, and mindset to unlock Africa’s potential. We do this by offering: Organizational Leadership Training, Coaching for African Changemakers, Research, Policy, and Strategy Development for organizations and Shaping Africa Through Conversations (AfriWeza Baraza’s).
We envision a continent that thrives from within, where every initiative, institution, and individual boldly declares: Africa Can.