Whenever people think about Africa's wealth and how it came about,what comes to mind is our oil,diamonds,golds and other valuable natural resources. And for decades,these resources have helped shape the continent's economy and also attracted global attention. Inspite of Africa being rich in these resources,many countries still face challenges like poverty,inadequate healthcare,unemployment and limited access to good education. Now this raises a question: if Africa is so rich in natural resources,why has development still remained uneven?
The answer to that question may lie in the fact that Africa's greatest resource was never buried beneath its soil,it has always been its people.
Africa is home to one of the youngest populations in the world with millions of youths in the continent being so creative,ambitious and eager to solve problems. Across the continent,young entrepreneurs are launching businesses,scientists conducting groundbreaking research and software developers building digital solutions. Artists influence the global culture and innovators are designing transformative technologies to solve local problems and shape a better future for the community without leaving their countries,Indegenius for example.
Natural resources are limited. They are in the sense that oil wells can run dry,mineral reserves can get exhausted and commodity prices fluctuate drastically. However,human creativity has no such limits. A well educated,empowered and healthy population can create opportunities that extend far beyond the value of natural resources and they can generate new great ideas.
The future of Africa cannot be determined solely by the resources beneath the soil but by the people who walk on it. When we place human development at the center of the national priorities, African countries can unlock a future that is driven by knowledge,innovation and well sustainable growth.
So I'm saying,Africa's greatest resource is not oil,it is the determination of its youth,the wisdom of its elders and the capabilities of the individuals who believe the continent can shape its own future. When Africa invests in its people,it invests in its most renewable source of prosperity.
