Why The Africa Rising Narrative is Real.

In the past decade, the 'Africa Rising' narrative has gained a lot of credence. The narrative simply feeds onto the growing optimism about Africa, and the need to be optimistic about the continent in the light of the prevailing circumstances. In the last year, there were seven peaceful elections that were conducted in Africa. This simply means that the continent is strengthening its democratic ideals year after year. Consider also that six of the ten fastest growing economies in the world are in Africa, and you get a sense that the economy of the continent is on an upward trajectory. Critics would argue that such growth comes from a low base, but that is besides the point. The fact of the matter is that there are more people being lifted from poverty, thanks to the continued economic growth. According to Ghanaian Bright B. Simmons, the number of middle class Africans is anywhere between 20 and 200 million, and this number will continue to grow in years to come. The middle class in Africa will drive the consumer demands, purchasing decisions, and they will also help shape the destiny of the continent in elections.

Consider also that the number of college and university students in Africa is increasing. Although there is no clear number of college and university students in Africa, the number could be anywhere between 3 and 5 million, ensuring that Africa's youth gain the requisite skills to be able to compete in the 21st century. What's
more, if such an education fosters creativity and innovation, then Africans will be at an ever more important place to benefit from education, both at the basic and higher levels.

Also, Africa has plenty of land. For a moment, consider that food will be the new gold, and you get a sense that if the continent will be able to improve its agricultural base, and put in place firm policies to encourage the growth of agriculture, then we could see a boom in agriculture in the next few years, and with it, a rise in the incomes of Africans.

Of course, some caution will need to be taken in this whole Africa Rising narrative. For instance, there are still more military coups, and there are still instabilities in South Sudan, Mali, and Burkina Faso. There is also a growing inequality between the haves and the have nots. However, one would be mistaken to think that the continent is not on an upward growth trajectory, and that it is not at present lifting millions of Africans out of poverty.