Development done properly: why Africa needs more than good intentions | Poverty and development

The Annual Economic Forum in Davos brings together the most influential leaders of the world to improve global economic conditions. This year the promotion of an inclusive and sustainable growth in Africa is again the main topic of the gathering. Yet, when it comes to the development of Africa, the debate is too often misunderstood. The continent hosts some of the fastest growing economies in the world, but the average growth is still below global standards. This paradox requires more than analysis – requires decisive action.

African potential is amazing. Home for 60 percent of the world unprocessed arable land, young and dynamic population and huge natural wealth, this continent has all the ingredients for transformative growth. The question is not if Africa can develop – the question is how to remove obstacles that block her progress.

Today’s development environment often resembles an elaborate maze of demands, reports and contradictory guidelines of hundreds of agencies. While responsibility is important, excessive bureaucracy is suffocating progress. Africa needs a practical, aimed investment in fundamental areas that drive economic growth.

Accept the energy challenge: only 50 percent of 1.37 billion people in Africa have access to electricity. To 2030. Investing in the Energy Sector of Africa should reach $ 25 billion a year to close the gap in energy approach, a dramatic increase compared to today’s consumption. But only investment is not enough – we have to think of practical, domestic solutions. The key is a regional integration of our energy sources – so we will solve our energy crisis. Africa has huge hydro, solar and other energy sources in different regions. If we design a real energy mix and establish a common power, we can power the entire continent through a strong, resistant network. Such an achievement would have historical proportions for the development of our continent.

Similarly, the logic opposes that continent with most of the world arable land has more than 280 million malnourished people. This is not because of the lack of ability. This is the result of neglected rural infrastructure, split markets and insufficient investment in agricultural technology. The solution requires strategic investment in roads, irrigation systems and storage facilities, together with policies that encourage local processing and additional value.

Trade within Africa, with only 15 percent of the total continent store, illustrates another great opportunity. The Africa’s African continental area (AFCFTA) promises, but its success depends on practical implementation – road construction, onion modernization and removal of trade obstacles. These are not revolutionary concepts, but proven basics of economic development.

The way forward is clear. First, we need to rationalize development processes. African nations need partners, not supervisors. Second, investment in infrastructure must be practical and current – roads, power plants and ports that allow real economic activity, interconnectedness between nations and consist of a strategic vision for the entire continent. Third, we have to believe the local leadership that they will set priorities based on reality, not distant theories from the Committee.

Our young people, either in the Maghreb (northwestern Africa), Central Africa or the horn of Africa, deserve educational systems that prepare them for a modern workplace. Current teaching programs often resemble obsolete mobile strips, not managing to equip students with tools for their future. This must change. Similarly, our health systems need target investment to reduce mortality rates and solve major health differences across the continent.

Davos leaders should focus on tangible steps to accelerate the Agenda April Agenda Growth. The continent no longer needs seminars on development theory – it needs practical support aimed at results that allows countries to build strong economies and society.

This is not just aspirative thinking. These are realistic goals substantiated by the huge potential of the continent.

The choice is clear: to continue with the job as usual or accept the development model that gives preference to the results over the process. Not only the future of Africa, but also the course of global prosperity for the decades to come, will determine the response of the world to this choice. The time of endless discussions has passed – Africa needs an action, now.

The attitudes presented in this article are the authors and do not necessarily reflect the editorial stance of Al Jazeere.