The crossroads of Africa's politics and economic prosperity

I am actually at a point now where I need to say something and get involved in changing this negativity around Africa, its leaders and what hinders us from economic success.

 It's extremely difficult to stomach when I encounter Africans who (irrespective of race) continuously fail themselves by being unable to unite for the betterment of their countries and/or continent. It starts by being patriotic in the first instance. This sense of pride breeds solidarity and in-turn, establishes the foundation required to build a nation for all.

 As Africans we have failed countless times, through greed, jealously and a multitude of other unfathomable deeds that have left the rest of world dumbfound. (Not that we should really care how the rest of the world perceives us, but that’s why we live in a ‘world’ – we are not an island). With an abundance of resources and high intellectual property, how is it possible that we have been unable to break the mold and extract ourselves from this perpetual 'growth point mentality?' This crossroads we find ourselves at.

 A wise head once whispered to me when I was a boy and said, ‘the problem Africa faces with new leadership post colonialism - I actually can’t believe I’m referencing colonialism in 2018 - is that most leaders stem from impoverished backgrounds and once they have been handed the reins of power...need I say more. #YourBackgroundCountsForSomething.

 Politics is precisely that, Politics - a game, a mechanism to achieve a positive outcome for a large group. If you’re going to enrich self, be smart about it, don’t be overtly stupid. Let’s face it, most government officials and public servants worldwide are corrupt, however, they understand the hand that feeds them. Think economic prosperity first, put the people first. It is invariably more rewarding to be remembered as a global icon of economic development other than a self-enriching thug.

 I am a proud African, I love my people and I strongly believe we are missing a trick if this beautiful continent is unable to stifle this stigma, overcome the crossroads of African politics and build a super-highway to economic prosperity for all.