AFRICA'S 2050 POPULATION PROJECTION; An Asset or a Global Threat? (Lessons from an Egyptian Pharaoh)

When population matters are discussed, it is better to consciously associate it with people rather than just numbers! Why is a continent’s population so significant? Indeed, population figures are necessary for planning and projections, and depending on who is seeking, it could be viewed as an asset or a threat. History, as recorded in the Christian Bible, (Exodus Chapter 1: 8-22) speaks of a Pharaoh who felt threatened by the rising population of the Israelites settlers, and decided to ‘control’ this rise. He considered their population explosion as a threat to their nation’s sovereignty and security! His attitude and approach to this threat brought Egypt to an unprecedented level of humiliation, for a world power, at that time!

In recent times, Africa’s population has been forecasted to reach up to 2.5billion people by 2050, while Nigeria, the most populous black nation is expected to be about 400 million people at this time also.

Typically, population forecasts takes into account birth and death rates as most important projection variables; it is uncertain if the influx of foreigners under the market development and ‘soft power’ model was factored into this plan. By 2050, while the entire world population is expected to increase by about 2.2 billion, close to 60% of this increase is expected to come from Africa, while Asia follows by about 32%, and Europe is expected to contribute negatively (-1.18%).

In the 21st century, it is shocking to see that some individuals still maintain that some races are more superior to others. One would have thought that the Human race is one; but whenever convenient, some have postulated that we have numerous sub-races. It is ironical that nature sees only one race, with no subs or hierarchy; same factors and processes affect all; as same deaths, same anatomy and physiology, same emotions and expressions, and sure, diseases and viruses do not discriminate against the races too.

What is so unique about Africa? Is it the underutilized resources (natural/mineral and human); beautiful weather and climate; tribal hatred and selfishness; corruption of leaders and inferiority complex?

Equity is different from Equality!

Indeed, Africa has the potential to feed the world, and is a viable ground for investments. History has mostly shown that population is an asset, even in medieval times; either for family protection, farming and several other leverages.

This still hasn’t changed! With the level of technology, increased productivity and globalization, world population should be perceived as an asset; market! However, intentions must be noble and sincere. The fears of the Egyptian Pharaoh, in the times of the Biblical Moses, and the negative end of this approach, still serves as a reference guide, and only came to pass due to his attitude towards population management!

Africans are very welcoming, hardworking, industrious, intelligent, resilient and dynamic. In the book, “Making Africa Work” by, Greg Mills, Jeffrey Herbst, Olusegun Obasanjo and Dickie Davis (2017), reducing poverty is one of the fundamental challenges of the African Continent. As an emerging market, Africa’s population is an asset, which both African Leaders and Foreign investors can take advantage of, while putting at the center of their hearts that Africans are People not market figures!

Products and services destined for Africa MUST be healthy, sustainable and for the long term well being of All! The experience of the COVID-19 or novel coronavirus has shown the world that, more connects us than divides us, and that among the human race, with the bridges of globalization and trade, when one is affected, others are not safe!

The human race is ONE! Population is about PEOPLE!

 Way to Go! Arise Africa!

To over 1.3 billion people, Africa is home! It is difficult to say, if this would be true in the next 100 years. All humans have some colour, mostly as a result of weather and climate, over the centuries. There are no Black and White people; despite living in Africa for decades, I am yet to see a ‘black person’ in any Country! African leaders must appreciate their bargaining power and know that trade deals can be equitably entered into; the beggar’s point is no vantage point, for a continent as rich as Africa. Going forward, African leaders must ensure the following, at the minimum;

1.      Trade dealings and multinational treaties and agreements must be fair and transparent henceforth. How can this be when most African Nations don not have Policy Experts? When there are no experts to critique policy proposals, only short-term gains would be considered by the inadequately informed leaders or representatives, and the long-term gains, which matters most not considered.

2.      African Leaders must ensure that ease of doing business is priority for every investor; however, some form of protection must be available to protect local or indigenous companies, who may not be able to compete, with multinationals. Equity is preferred to Equality!

3.      African leaders must learn to protect the food producers in their nations! When a Nation loses her food sovereignty and security, such a nation is at the mercy of others, and this is not a good point of negotiation. Provide cheap loans, insurance covers, guaranteed minimum prices and palliatives in times of disasters, foster research for development.

4.      It is crucial that policy experts are deliberately trained to compete globally and in every critical aspects of the economy; It is strategic to even expose these experts to the best study opportunities, so that the long-term policy positions of the nation are secure.

5.      African Leaders MUST resist the temptation of using the nations priced assets as collateral for loans, especially when the terms and conditions are not in their favour and the risks of default is high. (You don’t make use of your bride/wife as a collateral!)

6.      Priority should be given to developmental projects at the local government levels (agricultural and industrial); this is critical! Indeed, political parties may pay more attention on WHO EMERGES AS LOCAL GOVERNMENT AND WARD COUNCIL LEADERS! At the end of the day, when the local communities are impoverished, that nation is not safe!

7.      Interactions with Foreign Governments, Multinationals, NGOs, Donors, etc. must be facilitated with caution, responsibility and sincerity, because at the end of the day, home and salvation may be where you dumped refuse, and the ONLY ONE WILLING TO HELP YOU, MAY BE TOO WEAK TO STAND! It’s a small world After-all!