The Continent that is Building the Future – Africa By – Tsegaye wondwossen

(Frontrunners Development and The Frontrunners League community is happy to promote activities that benefit the economic growth of Africa, and to that end, we will be on board tomorrow, Friday, 10/20/23 with the pre-launch of the African Council on Foreign Relations. We invited Ethiopian Journalist, Tsegaye Wondwossen to share this article about the upcoming event and the thoughts behind its genesis from founder, Jean Narcisse. Our thanks to both of them for sharing.)

When the world is modernizing with technology, Africa, which is said to be backward, has played the role of engine. The World Economic Forum announced last month that there is still a possibility that Africa will become the global energy supply chain. According to the report, this shows that Africa has opportunities even in the midst of the global economic crisis. Indeed, this is an implication that the continent plays an irreplaceable role in the current state of the world with its natural resources and raw materials. Jean Narcisse DJAHA is an African-born global leader working from Washington DC headquarters on economic development, trade, and foreign relations. He endorses the claim on Africa’s role, stating that "with its raw and natural resources, Africa supports the world economy, especially Europe, America, and the high-potential Asian economy."?

Gold, platinum, diamonds, cobalt, cocoa, and coffee are the most important natural resources and raw materials in the world that are found in Africa. While the world introduces us to a lot of high tech industries and products, modern vehicles and electronic materials as well as jewelry and cosmetics, food and many other things to meet the needs of all human beings, Africa is the outstanding supply chain factor that has the capacity to make all these offerings possible. Jean Narcisse explains our bond with Africa this way, ‘‘the possibility of the world economy moving outside of Africa is narrow.” According to him, for the same reason, Africa has become the center of gravity of world politics. “Whoever controls Africa directly controls the global economic and political systems,” says Jean. It is no surprise that there are countries such as America, France, Russia, Turkey, Germany, United Kingdom, and India pouring significant amounts of economic, military, and geostrategic resources to build their presence on the African Continent, however, Africa has not used much of its own natural resources. And, according to the 2023 African Economic Development Report, the continent has not turned its vast resources into opportunities. This makes Africa a rich but poor continent.?

Jean Narcisse has a different view. According to him, if we say that Africa is rich in nature and raw materials, it contradicts with the expression that it is a poor continent. He said that all those who have thoughts to change Africa should work together to make Africa use its resources more. This is the reason why the African Council on Foreign Relations is working its best,” Jean said. This council, which gathers partners from all over the world and raises policy ideas for solutions to Africa’s problems, is holding an online conference on Friday, October 20, 2023.? Jean Narcisse shares that “the conference will put forward a critical and realistic development plan and report that can be used for economic development in Africa. It is the unique role of our generation to change the negative image portrayed globally.” Indeed, instead of being the engine of the political process, Africa must move in a new way to support economic development projects, and for this, it needs different intellectuals and mature politicians.? It needs the world to help in introducing and manifesting its strengths and capabilities. As Jean Narcisse says, “this council is a cadre for constructive exchanges of new development and competitive ideas and solutions that advance Africa in the 21st century.” While the theme is “positioning Africa in the 21st century global system,” it is expected to generate a diversity of? ideas that strengthens the continent in political and economic context for years to come.

Africa, which is building the future of the world with its natural resources and raw materials, will have the opportunity to become an axis and hub beyond being an engine of global change. For this to happen, all those who want to benefit Africa in various professional fields must do their part. Jean says, “Attending the conference is one way” and those who wish to attend, can register using the following link: (11 am - 2:30 pm EST. Other details including agenda can be found by clicking the link.)? https://www.eventbrite.com/e/pre-launch-of-african-council-on-foreign-relations-tickets-728601896887?aff=oddtdtcreator

About the Author?

Tsegaye Wondwossen Bekele is an Ethiopian journalist; working as Editor in chief at Addis Walta Television in Ethiopia. He is worked in Ethiopia media for the past 10 years, covered national and international political, Economical and related issues, as well as AU leaders Summit at various times since 2017 in Addis Ababa.??