By Olakunle Agboola – There won’t be a need to argue how amazing the African continent is, spanning from the deserts of North Africa to the jungles of the Congo, from the Indian Ocean to the Pacific, Africa has some of the most incredible sights and people in the world.
Over the years the image of Africa has been ravaged by Western Media and recently African media and great personalities of African descent are changing the narratives through social media and documentary production on major streaming channels across the world. Many who have thought that Africa is a poverty-stricken, war-torn and home of incurable diseases are changing their mind and visiting Africa to paint their memories with colours.
Africa is the second largest continent in the world with a total landmass of around 30.3 million Km2. There is no doubt that Africa covers a huge part of the globe with a total population of 1.3 billion people. This means that over 17% of all the people in the world live in Africa and that is the enormous population for Africa not being ignored as a crucial part of the world.
Africa is important to the world not only because of its size but also of its young and growing population. Across the continent, the medium average age of Africa’s population is 19 with 60% of the population under the age of 25. Africa is the shining light of the world with a creative young population who are creative, connected and dynamic, as the world has seen their exploits in comedy, music, education, technological innovation, sports and fashion. There have been untapped and inclusive economies that the African government is yet to uncover which will provide opportunities and create enormous jobs and wealth for the African continent to grow beyond comprehension.
Africa is abundant in natural resources, which ought to be a blessing in increasing the per-capita income of every African citizen. There is a huge range of minerals, materials and resources that countries require to fuel their industries. Africa has 30% of the entire world’s known natural resources, and this makes it an extremely crucial place and more reason Africa is important to the world and becoming difficult to ignore. Diamonds, oil, natural gas, uranium, copper, cobalt, iron and gold are just some of the natural resources in huge quantities.
The huge range of historical archives, developments and events that have had a lasting impact on the world from Africa make it a really important part of the world. Africa has a great history and time past civilization dating to the time of Egypt ruling the world and Ethiopia’s long empire with Mali and Oyo in West Africa. Across the continent of Africa are monuments and historical signs that are dated with biblical records. There are 145 UNESCO world heritage sites and more are yet to be discovered. This is a testament to the rich history of the people of Africa and shows how important the continent’s history is.
Africa is very popular with its wildlife. It is home to incredible animals that many who have not visited Africa perceive its totality as a jungle. Western media have slapped Africa in the face many times for not having a rounded story to represent Africa for what it is without distortions of right perspectives. Yes, Africa has enormous wildlife and this is important to the world as over the years Africa has preserved, protected and showcased some of the most fantastic creatures on the planet. Africa has over 1,100 species of mammals and 2,600 species of birds, which makes the motherland one of the most diverse naturals in the world.
Africa is a continent with 54 countries and over 2,000 spoken languages. Also is a huge range of religions across the continent, starting from Islamic religion, Christianity and a range of traditional religions being practiced. Africa is also important for its natural diversity. From the largest desert in the world – the Sahara, to jungles, savannahs, mountains, lakes and rivers, Africa’s landscapes are some of the most varied, and impressive, in the world. The continent is home to major global cities, as well as industrial and economic zones.
Africa has a huge range of cultures spanning all 54 countries. The impact African cultures have had on the world is immeasurable. Art, music, dance, film, television and food have contributed immensely to the development of Africa. Nigeria and Ghana jollof rice is becoming a great delicacy in the West. Also is Ghana wax, Nigeria Ankara with Adire are a few of many African products that are exported to Europe, America and Asia continents daily. Africa is globally important for its enormous cultural reach and the influence culture from African countries has had all around the world.
Africa has contributed a lot to The World from the export of cocoa, which has helped in the production of chocolates in Europe and America. Coffee is a great product that many households in Europe, America and Asia cannot do without and the origin is Africa. The continent has produced a lot of scientific and technological developments, including early mathematics and astronomy, as well as medical breakthroughs, which were not properly documented and have now been adopted by the West. From the Islamic-inspired culture of North Africa to nomad cultures of East Africa, and vast land in West Africa cum contemporary lifestyles in Africa’s largest cities – Africa remains the epitome of beauty.
Nollywood films from Nigeria are becoming huge with great audiences around the world through huge streaming platforms. Also, the Afrobeats sound is increasing in popularity every day and changing the face of Africa. Amapiano, Beats from South Africa is revitalizing the everyday continents putting Africa in the spotlight. African fashion and contemporary arts inspire creativity on catwalks and in galleries from New York to Hong Kong has put Africa on a global map opening up the tourism business, and a huge number of people travelling to Africa to learn and associate with the culture and lifestyles.
The increase in African migration to Europe, America, Asia and other parts of the world is exposing African culture. The young adults are fascinated by marrying an African and their identity, which is deeply rooted in respect, fashion, music, and value for marriage and family. The current waves and high demand placed on Nigerian men to marry all over the world might be a striking notion that Africa is the king and is becoming difficult to ignore for its relevance to the world.
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