What will Africa look like in 2033? This is a question that many people are asking, especially as the continent faces unprecedented challenges and opportunities in the wake of the Covid-19 pandemic, climate change, digital transformation, and demographic shifts.
But the answer to this question is not predetermined by fate or external forces. The future of Africa depends on the vision, leadership, innovation, and collaboration of its people, institutions, and partners. The Africa of 2033 is being built in 2023, by the actions and decisions of Africans today.
I will explore some of the key trends and drivers that are shaping the continent’s development trajectory and highlight some of the initiatives and projects that are making a difference in creating a more prosperous, inclusive, and sustainable Africa.
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Trends and drivers
Africa is a diverse and dynamic continent, with 54 countries, over 2000 languages, and a population of 1.3 billion people. It is also a continent of contrasts, with vast natural resources, rich cultural heritage, and immense human potential, but also facing persistent challenges of poverty, inequality, conflict, and governance.
Some of the major trends and drivers that are influencing Africa’s future include:
Covid-19 pandemic: The pandemic has had a devastating impact on Africa’s health systems, economies, and societies, exposing the fragility and gaps in its infrastructure and institutions. However, it has also triggered a wave of resilience, solidarity, and innovation among Africans, who have mobilized to contain the virus, support the most vulnerable, and accelerate the recovery process. The pandemic has also highlighted the need for greater regional integration, cooperation, and coordination to address common challenges and leverage collective opportunities.
Climate change: Africa is one of the most vulnerable regions to the effects of climate change, such as rising temperatures, droughts, floods, storms, and desertification. These impacts threaten the livelihoods, food security, health, and stability of millions of Africans, especially those who depend on agriculture and natural resources. At the same time, Africa has enormous potential to contribute to the global efforts to mitigate climate change, by harnessing its abundant renewable energy sources, such as solar, wind, hydro, and geothermal power.
Digital transformation: Africa is undergoing a rapid digital transformation, driven by the increasing penetration of mobile phones, internet access, and digital platforms. These technologies are enabling new forms of communication, education, commerce, entertainment, and governance across the continent. They are also creating new opportunities for entrepreneurship, innovation, and job creation, especially for the youth, who make up 60% of Africa’s population.
Demographic shifts: Africa is experiencing a demographic transition, with a growing and youthful population, and an increasing urbanization rate. By 2033, Africa is expected to have 1.7 billion people, of whom 60% will live in cities. This presents both challenges and opportunities for Africa’s development, as it requires massive investments in infrastructure, services, and jobs, but also offers a potential demographic dividend, if the youth are empowered with education, skills, and opportunities.
Initiatives and projects
To respond to these trends and drivers, and to shape the future of Africa, many initiatives and projects are underway across the continent, involving various actors from governments, civil society, private sector, academia, and international partners.
Global engagement: Africa is also increasing its global engagement and influence, both as a partner and as a leader. Africa has strong ties with traditional partners such as Europe, the US and China, but also with emerging partners such as India, Brazil, Turkey and the Gulf states. Africa is also playing a more active role in multilateral forums such as the UN, the AU, the G20 and the COP26. Africa’s voice and interests are becoming more prominent and respected on issues such as climate change, security, human rights and development.
Urbanization: Africa is also urbanizing rapidly, with more than half of its population expected to live in cities by 2030. Urbanization can drive economic growth, innovation and social mobility, but it can also create problems such as congestion, pollution, inequality and slums.
Some examples of these initiatives and projects are:
African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA): The AfCFTA is a landmark agreement that aims to create a single market for goods and services across Africa, with a population of 1.3 billion people and a combined GDP of $3.4 trillion. The AfCFTA entered into force in January 2021, and has been ratified by 40 countries so far. The AfCFTA is expected to boost intra-African trade, industrialization, competitiveness, and integration, and to generate economic growth, jobs, and poverty reduction.
African Union Agenda 2063: Agenda 2063 is a strategic framework for the socio-economic transformation of Africa over the next 50 years. It is based on a vision of “an integrated, prosperous and peaceful Africa, driven by its own citizens and representing a dynamic force in the international arena”. Agenda 2063 has seven aspirations and 20 goals that cover various dimensions of development, such as democracy, human rights, peace and security, education and skills, health and well-being, infrastructure and energy, science and technology, culture and heritage, environment and climate change.
African Development Bank High 5s: The High 5s are the five priority areas of intervention of the African Development Bank (AfDB), the continent’s premier development finance institution. The High 5s are: Light up and power Africa, Feed Africa, Industrialize Africa, Integrate Africa, and Improve the quality of life for the people of Africa. The High 5s are aligned with the Agenda 2063 and the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and aim to accelerate the delivery of development results and impact for Africa.
African Leadership Academy (ALA): The ALA is a pan-African institution that seeks to develop the next generation of African leaders and entrepreneurs. The ALA offers a two-year pre-university program for young Africans aged 16-19, as well as various short courses and online programs for learners of all ages. The ALA curriculum combines academic excellence with leadership development, entrepreneurial training, and African studies.
The ALA also supports its alumni network of over 1000 graduates who are pursuing higher education or launching social ventures across Africa and beyond. The Africa of 2033 is being built in 2023, by the actions and decisions of Africans today. The future of Africa depends on the vision, leadership, innovation, and collaboration of its people, institutions, and partners.
There are many challenges and opportunities ahead, but also many initiatives and projects that are making a difference in creating a more prosperous, inclusive, and sustainable Africa.