Africa is not a continent of lack—it is a continent of abundance. Africa is not a problem to be solved—it is a promise to be fulfilled. The Africa We Want is grounded in research and aligned with a vision for a prosperous, self-believing continent.
Where do we start from? From the cobalt mines of the Democratic Republic of Congo to the goldfields of Ghana, the oil reserves of Nigeria to the fertile lands of Ethiopia, Africa is richly endowed with natural resources.
Yet, paradoxically, it remains home to some of the world’s most persistent development challenges. This disconnect between potential and reality is not merely a matter of economics or geopolitics—it is deeply rooted in mindset, I think.
To realize “The Africa We Want” and project the African Union’s Agenda 2063, Africans must embrace a transformational mindset—one that recognizes that the grass is not greener elsewhere, but right here, under our feet in Africa.
This shift requires confronting the systemic issues of bad governance, resource mismanagement, and political repression, while nurturing a culture of innovation, accountability, and self-belief.
Is there a case for a transformational mindset? A mindset is more than a belief system—I see it more as a lens through which individuals and societies interpret their reality and shape their future. For too long, Africa’s narrative has been externally defined: a continent of poverty, conflict, and dependence. This narrative has seeped into the psyche of many Africans, fostering a culture of resignation and external validation. The time for change is here and now.
But this narrative is neither complete nor immutable. As I build capacity in training, I always mention, mindset change is both possible and necessary for transformation. Countries like Rwanda have demonstrated how a deliberate shift in national consciousness—toward discipline, innovation, and collective responsibility—can yield remarkable progress in governance, infrastructure, and social cohesion.
Is Africa’s wealth a blessing mismanaged? According to the African Development Bank Group, Africa holds over 30% of the world’s mineral reserves, 12% of its oil, and 8% of its natural gas. It is home to 60% of the world’s arable land and a youthful population projected to reach 2.5 billion by 2050. Yet, these blessings have often become sources of conflict, corruption, and exploitation. Why?
How about the resource wastage and the “Paradox of Plenty”. The “resource curse” is a well-documented phenomenon where countries rich in natural resources experience slower economic growth and weaker democratic institutions.
In Africa, this curse manifests in several ways: From illicit financial flows, where billions of dollars are lost annually through tax evasion, under-invoicing, and illegal mining. To environmental degradation, where unregulated extraction has led to deforestation, water pollution, and loss of biodiversity. And to neglect of human capital, where resource wealth has often diverted attention from investing in education, healthcare, and innovation.
To reverse this trend, Africa must move from being a raw material exporter to a value-adding continent. This requires not just policy reform, but a mindset that prioritizes long-term national interest over short-term personal gain.
The governance gap is a barrier to progress. Bad governance remains one of the most significant impediments to Africa’s development. It manifests in corruption, weak institutions, lack of transparency, and disregard for the rule of law.
Discussing symptoms of governance failure, according to research by Bscholarly, the root causes of bad governance in Africa include a lack of accountability, corruption, and exclusionary politics. These failures have led to flawed elections and constitutional manipulations that entrench power rather than serve the people.
Sub-national conflicts, often fueled by inequitable resource distribution and ethnic marginalization. Erosion of public trust, where citizens disengage from civic processes due to disillusionment. Hear me Africa. The result is a vicious cycle where poor governance undermines development, and underdevelopment reinforces poor governance.
Political Brutalities and the Silencing of Dissent
Across the continent, political repression remains a dark stain on democratic aspirations. From arbitrary arrests of journalists to violent crackdowns on protests, many African governments have prioritized regime survival over citizen empowerment.
This culture of fear stifles innovation, discourages youth participation, and alienates the diaspora. It also contradicts the vision of Agenda 2063, which calls for a peaceful, inclusive, and rights-based Africa. T
o break this cycle, African societies must demand and defend democratic norms, not just during elections, but every day. Civil society, media, and youth movements have a critical role to play in holding leaders accountable and shaping a new political culture.
The power of belief in reclaiming the African dream is very important. Perhaps the most insidious legacy of colonialism and decades of underdevelopment is the internalized belief that Africa is inherently inferior. This belief fuels brain drain, consumerism, and a preference for foreign validation.
Let’s refuse to subscribe to this colonial mindset, Africa is superior and not inferior. Has melanin and a dominant gene. Africa is home to countless innovations and creativity. Civilization began in Africa.
The oldest university is found in Africa. Africans have long been inventors, and this story of invention we must begin to highlight and document accordingly for future generations to know and celebrate. This lack of documentation of the African inventions is leaving many others to claim things that are originally not theirs.
But the tide is turning. From tech hubs in Nairobi to fashion houses in Accra and Lagos, from renewable energy startups in Cape Town to fintech disruptors in Accra, a new generation of Africans is rewriting the narrative. Congratulations on subscribing to this narrative instead.
Reframing the Grass
The idea that “the grass is greener on the other side” has led many to seek opportunities abroad. But what if the grass is greener where we water it? Just here in Africa.
Africa’s youth must be taught not just to dream, but to dream here in Africa. This requires: education reform that emphasizes critical thinking, entrepreneurship, and African history. Man know himself! Who are we as Africans? Let’s research this holistically across all platforms. Media representation must celebrate African excellence and challenge stereotypes.
Africans must be telling the African stories the right way with an African perspective. Diaspora engagement must channel skills, capital, and networks back into the continent. This is your root – Diasporas, remember a landless person may have no root. This phrase highlights the importance of land ownership and connection to one’s heritage and territory, particularly for diaspora communities who may have been displaced or disconnected from their ancestral lands. Welcome back to Africa, and let’s build the Africa we all want.
Pathways to the Africa We Want
Achieving the Africa we want is not a utopian fantasy—it is a strategic imperative. These key pathways can get us there:
An institutional reform that will help us strengthen judicial independence and anti-corruption bodies, decentralize governance to empower local communities as well as digitize public services to enhance transparency and efficiency will get us on the success path.
Economic diversification where investment in agro-processing, manufacturing, and digital economies are prioritize, to the promotion of intra-African trade through the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) to supporting small and medium enterprises (SMEs) with access to finance and markets will leap frog the continent.
Youth and women’s empowerment should ensure equitable access to education and leadership opportunities, creating platforms for youth innovation and civic engagement, as well as enforcing gender equality laws and challenging patriarchal norms.
Our environmental stewardship must transition Africa to green energy and climate-resilient agriculture, protecting biodiversity and indigenous knowledge systems and positioning Africa as a leader in global climate negotiations. Africa, you have this power – utilize it!
Our Mindset Transformation must launch continent-wide campaigns on self-belief and patriotism, integrate mindset change into school curricula and leadership training, and celebrate African languages, cultures, and philosophies as sources of strength. This mindset transformation must consider the total Ghana-ization and African-ization of our mind, body, soul, and spirit.
Conclusion: The Place to Be
Africa is not a problem to be solved—it is a promise to be fulfilled. The mineral wealth, youthful population, cultural richness, and strategic location of the continent make it the most exciting frontier of the 21st century. But to unlock this promise, Africans must believe that the grass is greener here in Africa. This belief must be backed by action—by reforming institutions, investing in people, and rejecting the politics of fear and division. Refuse and reject this politics of fear, division, and mismanagement because Africa is the place to be.
The Africa we want is not just a policy document—it is a mindset, a movement, and a mission. And it begins with each African choosing to see the continent not as a place to escape from, but as the place to be. Join the Grass Is Greener Here Campaign — a campaign that flips the narrative of escape, showcasing Africa as the land of abundant opportunity, innovation, and heritage. Remember, the change begins with us. Be an ambassador in your way as we cause a paradigm shift.
Dr. Osagyefo Kwame Nkrumah encourages us to face neither east nor west but face forward. Be African because we are born in Africa, but not because Africa is born in us. It is clear that we must find an African solution to our problems, and this can only be found in African unity. Divided, we are weak; united, Africa could become one of the greatest forces for good in the world. Yes, join me, say- we are strong, big, the greatest forces, and the chosen continent. Let’s start with a mindset transformation to win this fight.
Baptista is a trailblazing expert at the intersection of future work, African development, and social empowerment. With a multifaceted career spanning authorship, research, international development, conference speaking, and more, she shines a light on critical issues in this Africa We Want Publication. Connect with her @Sarahtistagh across all platforms
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