Africa has long been the forgotten continent. With few exceptions, the health and quality of life indices in Africa have been receding steadily, technology lags far behind that in the developed countries, social services are in some places non-existent and where present, are either stagnant or backsliding, and the continent almost in its entirety groans under the burden of servicing massive debt. The prevailing situation on our continent is that in spite of the size of the landmass, in spite of the richness of our natural endowment and diversity, Africa continues to be the poorest continent in the world. Yet, the continent abounds in untouched natural and human resources. The United Nations, for example, estimates that there are over 800 million hectares of unused, cultivable land that could provide the basis for a green revolution in food production—land that could be used to tackle food shortages in Africa and other parts of the world.

The remarkable progress that Africa has made in the past decade is also not widely recognised. Across the continent there are numerous success stories. We have seen the spread of free and fair elections, an increase in school enrolment rates and determined efforts to combat malaria. The boom in mobile phones has transformed communication and helped business. But this is not and cannot be the end of story, simply because there is still so much more to be done for the continent to be on an upward trajectory.

At the forefront in today’s news is the economic downturn, the global recession. While the global crisis and climate change are creations of the North, it is Africa, which is worst affected and least able to cope. The social and political consequences are profound:

• The financial crisis is deepening and it may persist;

• Unemployment levels are likely to rise and wage rates may decline;

• Sources of revenue may shrink and budgets may be squeezed as a result;

• Public expenditures in poverty-relevant sectors are bound to be reduced;

• The Knowledge base/data will remain too limited due to lags in effects to prioritize support for the poor and vulnerable groups

• The incidence of poverty and levels of inequality may deepen/worsen.

Something needs to be done – by someone

We recognise that the roots of the development crisis often begin outside Africa. But the reality is that the main responsibility for tackling the challenges Africa faces lies with us – Africans. The something to be done cannot be done by anyone but us. It is our continent, and we must be its salvation.

This does not mean that the rest of the world can walk away. Africa’s international partners have a critical part to play in supporting the continent’s progress, and share responsibility for tackling imported problems. But without bold, focused and sustained leadership from African governments, outside assistance won’t safeguard the continent’s people or protect the progress already made. Big problems create the opportunity for big thinking. Africa’s leaders, who have already shown what can be achieved, now need to redouble their efforts to guide their continent through these challenges.

Who are Africa’s leaders? Where are they?

Clear-sighted African leadership, supported by effective international partnership, can turn the challenges Africa is facing into an opportunity. Leaders are made, not born, and that is the goal of OFA as expanded elsewhere (see mission and values)

We can all do something; everyone has something to contribute if we are to turn Africa into the success story she was intended to be. Africa is enormously rich in potential. Amidst the gloom, there is an opportunity to be seized. If we have the courage and vision to rise to the challenge, it will benefit the 900 million people who live on the continent and create a valuable growth platform for the global economy.

ARISE AFRICA!