1. Africa in Transition: Can it overcome the obstacles to achieving sustainable development?
- Author
-
DeMarco, Edward
- Abstract
Six decades after sweeping away European colonial rule and beginning to govern themselves, the people of sub-Saharan Africa are increasingly charting their own course. Decades of debt, war, political turmoil and foreign aid are giving way to creativity and industriousness, propelled by a fast-growing young population with global aspirations. Leaders are pushing to topple cross-border trade barriers and expand tech-driven investment to generate higher inclusive growth. Regional integration is strengthening political and economic coordination. Yet the transition faces stiff headwinds, from the COVID-19 pandemic and climate impacts to entrenched bureaucrats and fragile governance. Food security remains precarious and is vulnerable to external shocks, such as the interruption of grain exports from war-ravaged Ukraine. The shortage of electricity limits hundreds of millions of people from enjoying full social and economic participation. Governments operate with little scrutiny from citizens. Still, a mindset of independence and assertiveness is taking hold among leaders and citizens alike. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]
- Published
- 2022