What comes to mind when you think about Africa? A lot of people would say famine, disease and even poverty are some of their top subjects because that is what is normally depicted in the media. In 2014 flights were band from coming in and out the United States from Africa because of fear of the spread of the Ebola virus. Also, some of our favorite medical shows deal with dilemmas to their patients having a rare virus that they could have only contracted in a part of Africa. However, Africa is also a land flowing with resources and land that is waiting to be developed (Moran, Abramson, & Moran, 2014, p. 503). It is filled with opportunity, different backgrounds and multiple languages. The next step is for this area to transition.
Even though Africa is “considered as a third world and only contributes 1 percent of global economic output” it has resources that can be used (Moran, Abramson, & Moran, 2014, p. 506). There are some obstacles that need to be tackled for Africa to be successful, first we need to start with education. The people must transform their way of life. Agriculture is an important way of life that they rely on. When we think about it at first it sounds great. This skill is the gift that keeps on giving, but not if there hasn’t been a manufacturing industry that’s been invested in.
Africa has experienced growth in its economy over the past years. The growth has been contributed from public investment (Africas Economic Growth On the Rise, Despite Debt Increase, 2018). These public investments are going helping to develop the manufacturing industries, the very thing that is needed. Even though the country has debt, the amount of growth will continue to surpass it and the debt will start to decline. Some of the areas that are contributing to the growth are Ethiopia, Ghana, and Asia.
The people in this area are very optimistic, and a positive attitude is what makes them most resilient. They say that “9 out of 10 the people are religious” and it is speculated that this plays a part in their optimistic attitudes (Moran, Abramson, & Moran, 2014, p. 508). Africa can continue to grow if they remain open to change and unveil its hidden treasure.
References
Africas Economic Growth On the Rise, Despite Debt Increase. (2018, June 19). Retrieved from www.africa.com: https://www.africa.com/africas-economic-growth-on-the-rise-despite-debt-increase/
Moran, R. T., Abramson, N. R., & Moran, S. V. (2014). Managing Cultural Differences . New York: Routledge Taylor & Francis Group.
Markia,
This was an awesome analysis of what Africa is really good in and where their developmental areas are. I like how you highlight agriculture as, “the gift that keeps on giving”. Which I would agree with. Can you explain what you mean by the comment that you make regarding agricultures weakness is that there has not been a manufacturing industry investment?
I also like how you address that there is a future investment and that this will drive economic market value. You indicated that Manufacturing is a piece of the investment and the countries that are investing, do we know if this is food manufacturing or do we know the type of manufacturing that will be invested in?
In KZB80’s response to your post, I would agree that the focus on education is not the first thing that needs to be addressed as the longrun issues rely heavily on the countries population and synergy. However, I do believe that with the investment of manufacturing will increase economic revenues and population, and this synergy will come about in no time. I do believe though that if it is not happening currently, that Africa needs some strategy to ensure that these manufacturing investments can come forward with the most profitable outcomes and not go through any “learning experiences” on the way. What I mean is there needs to be an economic team and developer in place to analyze what other countries did, what they learned, and what made them successful to ensure that the outcomes are nothing short of positive. Are you aware of a strategy for the future implementations?
Hi Markeia,
Great blog post about Africa.I enjoyed how you highlighted the positive outcomes in their economy which are on the rise. While there are many positives which are easily overlooked in our media today. While I agree that education should be one of the things that should be tacked in order to aid in the positive developments of Africa, I think the issue is even deeper. Moran stated, “The full potential of Africa may be realized in this century if Africans are empowered to build an infrastructure on the basis of their own uniqueness and cultures,” (Moran, p. 506) which can stem from, as you had mentioned, enhancing and working on education. Moran then goes onto stating, “But to actualize these prospects, Africans will have to learn how to: 1.practice synergy amongst themselves; 2. control populations; 3.advance their literacy, education and productivity; 4. build infrastructure; 5. promote conservation and ecotourism; 6. connect with the information age and its technology.” (Moran, p. 506)
Before addressing the education system i think point number one, practice synergy amongst themselves, is where they would need to start. Afterall, if there is no synergy, or lack thereof, how can any new idea be implemented the right way? How can a new mindset even be accepted if everyone, for the most part, is focusing on their own issues?
References:
Moran, R. T., Abramson, N. R., & Moran, S. V. (2014). Managing Cultural Differences . New York: Routledge Taylor & Francis Group.
This was a great outlook into Africa and their economic growth. I agree that many times people only think of how bad Africa is and not all the clear opportunities that exist. There are many resources that could help shape their economy and could bring out the negativity. The opportunities and the optimism behind them can help this happen. I agree that things need to change and these resources should be taken advantage of. Do you think in the next decade this could be possible?