How is it possible that Africa, which is blessed with daily sunshine, frequent rainfall, abundant fertile land, natural resources and incredibly hardworking people, still lives in unacceptable poverty?

Although provocative it may sound, as an African living in Europe, I've constantly been confronted with the same question. The more I think of the answer to the question, the more worried – and sometimes angry – I am. This is a subject that is very dear to my heart because, as someone living in the Netherlands, my mother constantly laments, for example, that she can hardly find a cocoa tree in the country; however, the amount of chocolate products you can see in the Netherlands – and the Western world, for that matter - is more than what you have in Africa. How can we, the leading suppliers of many raw materials used in the Western world, be poverty-ridden? Is this not a thought-provoking question we need to ask ourselves?

The number of Africans living in poverty is indescribably worrisome. Who do we blame for the unacceptable reality? How do we solve the challenging problem? Are the unfavourable trade agreements with the West the cause of our poverty enslavement? Or is it that the people we elect into power are questionably incompetent to govern and make the right choices and decisions for us? Could it possibly be that we deprive each other of climbing the ladder to success due to greed and selfishness? Is illiteracy our major obstacle to social, political, and economic success? Or are there just not enough business opportunities available? The questions are endless. But the problematic question I ask myself is: even though Africans realise our problems, are we always that eager to find solutions?

Instead of pointing fingers, the first step towards a solution lies in our ability to elect competent and accountable leaders to positions of power. Leaders who are skilled and knowledgeable and have a proven track record of serving their communities with honesty and responsibility. With such individuals at the helm, we can pave the way for a brighter future.

Looking at the African socio-political environment, finding a solution to these problems will be challenging. Africa faces enormous challenges from the shackles and the bondage of corruption, nepotism, greediness, lawlessness, and impunity (you name them). However, these roadblocks are more comprehensive than in Africa. Many developed countries in the world, at one time or another, faced similar challenges. Despite all the obstacles facing Africa, they can – just like all in the developed world – overcome them with determination and sacrifice. Africans must take drastic measures such as investing in education, promoting transparency, and fostering a culture of accountability to solve their problems. Not only for the sake of the present generation, we must think about and work towards creating a better world for the future generation.

We must seek opportunities within Africa and work towards finding solutions to our problems on the continent. We cannot build a country by abandoning it. We must operate within, not from outside, to bring about meaningful societal change. The Western world did not develop their countries by leaving them. They stayed or went outside, acquiring enough knowledge, which they used to create their lands. This is the path we all – including this humble writer – must take. It is high time we changed our mentality and perception of Africa. Unless we start with a mental shift, others will never value Africa as we do.

Africa, with its rich cultural heritage, abundant land, minerals, and hardworking people, has the potential to overcome poverty. African leaders have allowed poverty to persist, but it is not an insurmountable challenge. It is time we consign it to the dustbin of history. Eradicating poverty in Africa is not just a dream but a real possibility. We need a total commitment. The time for change is now!

By:

Bridget Awuah