Exploring How Poverty Undermines Africa's Journey to Excellence

The 2024 AFCON was a phenomenal competition. From the unbelievable ascension of the hosts and eventually champions Ivory Coast, to the miraculous story of Sébastien Haller from cancer survivor to scorer of the winner, this event was one for the ages. The organization and professionalism were top notch. The officiating and use of VAR was among the best ever seen in football history. The 2024 AFCON showed the world the glimpse of the excellence Africa can manifest.

The true untapped potential of Africa is inhibited largely by poverty. A continent plagued by hunger can only show flashes of greatness from time to time. Sustained excellence can only be achieved when the continent has rid itself of corruption and poverty.

Millions of Africans still live in extreme poverty. It is estimated that in 2021, 490 million people in Africa live under the poverty line of 1.90 PPP$/day. Poverty in Africa manifests in various forms, including widespread hunger and malnutrition. When people struggle to meet their basic needs for food, it becomes difficult for them to focus on education, entrepreneurship, or other avenues for personal and societal development. Hunger becomes a barrier to progress, stifling creativity, innovation, and productivity.

True progress and excellence can only be achieved when the root causes of poverty, such as corruption and lack of access to basic services and opportunities, are addressed. Corruption siphons off resources that could otherwise be invested in infrastructure, healthcare, education, and economic development. It undermines trust in institutions and creates barriers to economic growth.

To unlock Africa's true potential, there must be concerted efforts to tackle corruption and alleviate poverty. This requires strong governance, transparent institutions, investment in education and healthcare, infrastructure development, and creating opportunities for economic empowerment. By addressing these fundamental issues, Africa can create an environment conducive to sustained excellence and prosperity for its people.