What we read about Africa in the media is mostly problem news: Wars, climate catastrophes, corruption. But Africa has seen many positive developments in recent decades. Here are some examples
Economic growth
In recent years, the continent has experienced remarkable growth, fuelled by a combination of natural resources, a growing middle class and technological innovation. In the years before the COVID-19 pandemic, the continent recorded average growth of around 3 to 5 % per year. However, the pandemic led to a decline. Some countries, such as Nigeria, Ethiopia and Ghana, have nevertheless made significant progress. Many African countries are trying to rely less on commodities and instead invest in sectors such as agriculture, services and technology.
Technological Innovation
Africa has become a centre for technological innovation, particularly in the field of communication and finance, which aims to make financial services more efficient, accessible and user-friendly.
Platforms such as M-Pesa have revolutionised access to financial services.
Innovative technical solutions such as drones for monitoring fields and apps for weather forecasting help farmers to increase their yields and utilise resources more efficiently.
Solar technologies, such as those from M-KOPA, enable households to gain access to clean energy, which is particularly important in areas without a reliable power supply.
Telemedicine and mobile health applications improve access to medical care and information, especially in remote regions.
Education
Access to education has improved in many regions of Africa, although there are major differences between individual countries and regions.
The proportion of people in Africa who can read and write varies by region and country. In general, the adult literacy rate in Africa is around 70-80%, although it is often higher in urban areas than in rural areas.
Some countries have invested heavily in the expansion of universities and higher Institutes of applied sciences. Digitalisation plays an important role in this. Online learning platforms and digital offerings have made access to education easier, especially for people living in rural areas.
Health care
Advances in healthcare, including vaccination programmes and the fight against diseases such as malaria and HIV/AIDS, have improved the quality of life for many people.
Political Stability
In some countries, such as Ghana, Botswana, South Africa and Tanzania, there has been progress towards political stability and the rule of law. In other countries, such as Ethiopia, Uganda, Zimbabwe and Burkina Faso, the situation has deteriorated.
Environment and Sustainability
Africa is home to great biodiversity. At the same time, Africa is particularly vulnerable to the effects of climate change, such as drought, flooding and extreme weather events. Efforts are made to promote sustainable practices in agriculture, fisheries and forestry. Various countries have introduced environmental laws and guidelines to improve environmental protection.
The African Union (AU) and regional organisations are also committed to environmentally friendly policies. Civil society organisations and activists play an important role in environmental protection. Despite these efforts, there are many challenges, including illegal logging, poaching, pollution and the impact of mining and urbanisation.
Cultural Creativity
In recent years, there has been a growing interest in African culture, art, music and literature, both within the continent and internationally. African artists and writers are gaining more and more recognition on a global level and winning literary awards. African music styles, such as Afrobeats, hip-hop and traditional music, are becoming increasingly popular worldwide.
“The Renaissance of Africa is is not only a return to it’s roots, but also a renewal of the spirit and of our culture, which will enable us to cope with the world of today.” Wole Soyinka
NAD Backgroundpaper
