Tim Morris is a former British Ambassador, negotiator, and trade diplomat in Africa writes exclusively for African Voice Newspaper
It is for young Africans, not old outsiders, to create and describe future Africa’s brand. But friends can comment.
Africa is a continent of young people whose average age is under 20. They are the future. If you think about it, generational change is change everywhere. The demographic of Africa, with one in four on the planet in 2050 being from the continent, is particularly dramatic. The world needs to take notice.
In African countries, with their amazing diversity, aspiration is a common feature. Whatever the circumstance, whatever the economic level of each country, the young will have a different view, and a different calculation. They will soon be in charge, and will set the political and economic agenda.
The surge in the talented African young is globally significant. In the UK, and in the other major diaspora countries, young Africans are in all our major institutions. That is new and also normal and welcome. The boy or girl in the class, in the team, in the job, is an African to a much greater extent than 10 or 20 years ago. The lawyer, the surgeon, the politician, the banker is an African. How did that happen?
So what will be the effect of this surge? In the cases of the leading larger African economies this looks like technology driven change and not just keeping to, but setting , global trends and standards. The more privileged young see clearly what their country needs to do and their part in it. They may be frustrated at the pace of change but they will be determined that change belongs to them and should not be a result of any outside influence.
Brilliant young Africa, in business, the professions, the arts, and sport is one thing, of course. For many millions, the challenge will remain a challenge. Jobs, being able to use one’s education, or getting sufficient family and social support – these challenges will grow with population at least as fast as prosperity. Some countries and communities will struggle.
But young Africa will take control of its destiny. It will need to convert its energy and will power, and the power of individual aspiration, to attract the world, to get audiences, to lead fashion and to draw in enthusiastic investors. These things will happen because of the success of future Africa, not as a result of some historic debt, but because others in the next global generation want to follow an have a part In that African enthusiasm.
There is still a lot to put right in the world’s relationship with Africa. African leaders should of course insist on their place at the global top table. The needs of the poor, who will overwhelmingly be in Africa, not least as a result of this demographic shift, will have to be met. But it will be the coming generation of African professionals, politicians, entrepreneurs and entertainers who will set the agenda for the continent’s success.
Tim Morris former British Ambassador to several African countries (Morocco, Mauritania, Congo, South Sudan).
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