Is Africa really poor or poor in managing resources and human development?

[Bigjoe33]

If we should go into details Africa happen to be one of the richest Continent on this planet earth, but because of bad governance, has made it look like the poorest continent, they have enough mineral resources that can make it look more better and beautiful than any other continent, but the greed among their leaders is something that can't let it get better, it's still off recently that the people are still waking up to reality, by going out there to aquire knowledge and see things that will be profitable to them and putting it to work, but I'm still trusting on the process as I believe it will get more better.

We all know that having natural resources alone doesn’t guarantee prosperity. That’s why a country may be heavily endowed by these resources but still remain in poverty, and that’s because how prosperous they will become depends heavily on how they’re able to turn those resources into productive industries, infrastructures, job opportunities and different kinds of development for its people.

You are right, and that's where the African continent are falling. There is enough to live on, build and enlarge, but mismanagement is there main enemy.  Everyone knows that Africa is blessed with numerous natural resources, ranging from crude, agricultural production and mineral resources. It's just so bad that it seems like we have nothing and many African countries are still underdeveloped. Citizens see traveling out to Europe and other foreign countries as a change of lifestyle and a miracle to them which will eventually change the course of there lives. We are our problem, our government and/or leaders are the reason we are still impoverished.

[Chilwell]

If we should go into details Africa happen to be one of the richest Continent on this planet earth, but because of bad governance, has made it look like the poorest continent, they have enough mineral resources that can make it look more better and beautiful than any other continent, but the greed among their leaders is something that can't let it get better, it's still off recently that the people are still waking up to reality, by going out there to aquire knowledge and see things that will be profitable to them and putting it to work, but I'm still trusting on the process as I believe it will get more better.

We all know that having natural resources alone doesn’t guarantee prosperity. That’s why a country may be heavily endowed by these resources but still remain in poverty, and that’s because how prosperous they will become depends heavily on how they’re able to turn those resources into productive industries, infrastructures, job opportunities and different kinds of development for its people.

You are absolutely correct but Africans are facing serious challenges when it comes to making use of the opportunity that they have, western countries are really our enemy, just because they know that we have all this resources and once we are allowed to see the advantage of it, we will become stronge and that is why we are seriously facing the issue of development.

Anytime I think about this resources, I feel so bad because the westerners are seriously contributing to our downfall, if really they want to show that they cares, I think the best thing they should do is to allow us to use our own resources by ourselves, everything should be built here in Africa, but they decided to take to their own country and ship the finished product to us selling it in a very huge amount. I believe that one day Africa will stand up and rise.

[L E G E N D A R Y]

You are absolutely correct but Africans are facing serious challenges when it comes to making use of the opportunity that they have, western countries are really our enemy, just because they know that we have all this resources and once we are allowed to see the advantage of it, we will become stronge and that is why we are seriously facing the issue of development.

We should blame no one but ourselves for whatever challenges we are facing, it’s true that the westerners did contribute but making and presenting our forefathers with offers that may have contributed to finding ourselves here, but the truth is that, we had the right to take the offers or turn them down and they chose to take it, loot our resources and sell them at very cheap rates, and then all the money goes back to their pockets, while the nations still remain in abject poverty, misery and underdevelopment.
We are the cause of our problems, not westerners, and we are still the ones that can solve our problems too.

[Oluwa-btc]

We're not poor, but poor in managing resources? I can agree.

The biggest problem in Africa is not the lack of resources but the way that they are managed. But blaming the outer powers instead of over looking the responsibility of African government and institutions is not good. Weak infrastructure, corruption having weak accountability and ineffective policy are all playing a very major role in preventing the resources from transforming into better living standards and making economy better. Having United African currency can strengthen trade and economic corporation but they require economics stability and trust between countries. Europe has faced many challenges before adopting the euro. Responsible leadership, skilled human capital, strong institutions and better resource management are required for turning natural wealth into prosperity

Two truths they say can exist.

Are there foreign powers and influences in Africa who wants all these natural resources? Yes! Do we have poor political representatives who possess zero nationalist capabilities? Yes! The both of them go hand in hand and they end up working together to see things go their way. You can not keep on saying it is the corrupt political representatives alone doing the harm. Foreign powers continuously plundering and scheming shouldn't be overlooked. Said a million times how we had all of the above characteristics in our leaders one time, but what happened? All assassinated.

[strunberg]

Anytime I think about this resources, I feel so bad because the westerners are seriously contributing to our downfall, if really they want to show that they cares, I think the best thing they should do is to allow us to use our own resources by ourselves, everything should be built here in Africa, but they decided to take to their own country and ship the finished product to us selling it in a very huge amount. I believe that one day Africa will stand up and rise.

Sometimes, nations with abundant natural resources fail to become developed countries because their wealth is exploited through foreign relations. I observe many countries possessing extraordinary natural resources that nonetheless remain in the "Third World" or developing category. In contrast, most developed nations are those with scarce natural resources but high-quality human capital. Furthermore—whether by coincidence or not—many resource-rich African nations have corrupt leaders; the same applies to several Asian countries. They enter into foreign partnerships with nations ready to exploit their natural resources; ultimately, the leaders reap various benefits while the populace suffers immensely as their environment is devastated, leaving them unable to lead decent lives in their own country.

[fruktik]

Ordinary citizens? Who goes to the polls and entrusts power to other people? Isn’t it citizens? Ordinary citizens.... The days of colonial rulers are over, African countries have gained their freedom, and their people have the right to vote and the right to choose their leaders - no one imposes puppets on you anymore, you choose your own leaders.
Perhaps the problem lies somewhere in this area? Misplaced trust? The wrong choice? A lack of critical thinking regarding campaign promises? If your country isn’t under the yoke of a totalitarian ruler, everything else is a consequence of the population’s actions - or inaction....

When a person is so disillusioned and draws such conclusions, it is reasonable to assume they live in a country where power has been usurped by a group of individuals who cling to it by any means necessary. In such cases, elections are effectively a circus act. In other countries, however, citizens determine their own destiny in a different way.

One need only recall the US elections a few years ago. Trump won by a narrow margin—a difference of just a few percentage points. For him, the process was an incredibly difficult and tense ordeal. That is how elections should unfold when power is not concentrated in the hands of a single individual.

[Youngrebel]

Sometimes, nations with abundant natural resources fail to become developed countries because their wealth is exploited through foreign relations. I observe many countries possessing extraordinary natural resources that nonetheless remain in the "Third World" or developing category. In contrast, most developed nations are those with scarce natural resources but high-quality human capital. Furthermore—whether by coincidence or not—many resource-rich African nations have corrupt leaders; the same applies to several Asian countries. They enter into foreign partnerships with nations ready to exploit their natural resources; ultimately, the leaders reap various benefits while the populace suffers immensely as their environment is devastated, leaving them unable to lead decent lives in their own country.

Normally having natural resources does not guarantee anyone or country development it based on how it been used The and how those resources are managed and whether the benefit will reach the ordinary citizens. Foreign investment is not really bad, but when agreements are poorly negotiated, and the leadership is after their personal interests, definitely you see that kind of country can end up exporting their wealth just to import little development.

[DYOR+BTC]

For now I will say the two, in the world today Africa is the  poorest continent but blessed with the richest gifts pf nature that can put Africa n above all but still continue poor because of corrupt leadership system.  On the aspect of corruption I will say African leaders are the most corrupt set of people in the world and are not ready to change for good.
If the resources in Africa are properly managed as expected,  I will say Africa will become the richest continent so far in the world

[fruktik]

For now I will say the two, in the world today Africa is the  poorest continent but blessed with the richest gifts pf nature that can put Africa n above all but still continue poor because of corrupt leadership system.  On the aspect of corruption I will say African leaders are the most corrupt set of people in the world and are not ready to change for good.
If the resources in Africa are properly managed as expected,  I will say Africa will become the richest continent so far in the world

Are African leaders the most corrupt? Hahaha, that’s a laugh. In Russia, those in power have been brazenly robbing the population for over 30 years. It’s reached the point where they don’t even bother hiding it anymore—they do it openly. Where do citizens' taxes go? Primarily to the war. Everything else ends up in the pockets of the inner circle and officials at every level. They own yachts, private jets, and luxury real estate all over the world. And what does the ordinary person have? Nothing but pain, suffering, and a mountain of debt and loans. The current generation openly says they see no future for themselves in my country. They are deeply disillusioned by everything that is happening.

[Cookdata]

We should blame no one but ourselves for whatever challenges we are facing, it’s true that the westerners did contribute but making and presenting our forefathers with offers that may have contributed to finding ourselves here, but the truth is that, we had the right to take the offers or turn them down and they chose to take it, loot our resources and sell them at very cheap rates, and then all the money goes back to their pockets, while the nations still remain in abject poverty, misery and underdevelopment.
We are the cause of our problems, not westerners, and we are still the ones that can solve our problems too.

I saw a post that was going viral some days ago where somebody says for Africa to develop, we need some generations to stop existing. Some people were angry and raining courses on him and he is right about what he said. Almost everyone blame the government for backwardness but who are the government? The same we? Our fathers and mothers control the governments, uncles and auntie's control government projects but doesn't complete them. Who are now the bad government?

You can't cry tears everyday when we are the same people cutting onion on our faces, if you want Africa to develop, you must cut down the roots of the problems, make harsh law that punish people for misappropriation of government properties including anyone that work for the government. In less than fear years, there will be massive developments in each country but will they? Nobody is ready for changes, stop the blame games on western people.

[Donk1]

Well about the currency part that will only happen when there is unity among all the 54 countries in Africa, but it's highly impossible. Because then the nations will only need one leader and it could cause power struggles.it's easy to say Africa could even become worse than this. This time not only a few countries but all countries, there might even end up being a civil war between countries and stuff like that. To me it would actually go out of hand, so it's impossible, because every government wants power over their currency, which is one of the greeds of the world.​That said I believe that Africa is a good continent and has a lot of resources. But then we can always blame the government and also the people for electing the wrong person into power. Most countries in Africa are so corrupt that whenever there is an election, the party often bribes folks to alter the results, and also starts giving out gifts and making fake promises just so folks can vote for them. And after they're in power all the promises they made would be of the past statements. So you see both the people and the government are the issue. That's all.......

[L E G E N D A R Y]

I saw a post that was going viral some days ago where somebody says for Africa to develop, we need some generations to stop existing. Some people were angry and raining courses on him and he is right about what he said. Almost everyone blame the government for backwardness but who are the government? The same we? Our fathers and mothers control the governments, uncles and auntie's control government projects but doesn't complete them. Who are now the bad government?

You can't cry tears everyday when we are the same people cutting onion on our faces, if you want Africa to develop, you must cut down the roots of the problems, make harsh law that punish people for misappropriation of government properties including anyone that work for the government. In less than fear years, there will be massive developments in each country but will they? Nobody is ready for changes, stop the blame games on western people.

You make it sound so easy mate. Many laws are already enacted and if judiciously enforced, implemented and adhered would make Africa a great continent, even without enacting new stricter laws. The problem isn’t the laws but who the laws are made for. In most part of Africa we claim we have democracy but the very evidence of democracy are nowhere to be found in our nations, the laws are only made for mostly the poor masses and maybe a few rich ones who refuse to dance to tunes of those who call themselves the pillars of the nations.

Our major problem is corruption, Africa is too corrupt, and by that I’m not only talking about the Leaders or the government, because corruption stems even from the grassroots, even in the community level, you’ll still find corruption there, and except we are able to deal with that, then it’s really gonna be a tough one.

[Nasdel4]

Africa is a blessed continent that is rich in mineral and natural resources. The resources that Africa has will be enough to take care of the rest of the world. When it comes to agriculture we have fertile grounds to grow food so you can't say Africa is poor in any way. The only issue we have is bad leadership and corruption that have eaten deep into it's system. If there was a good system that has checks to maintain balance then things could get better.

[DiMarxist]

Snip

Are African leaders the most corrupt? Hahaha, that’s a laugh. In Russia, those in power have been brazenly robbing the population for over 30 years. It’s reached the point where they don’t even bother hiding it anymore—they do it openly. Where do citizens' taxes go? Primarily to the war. Everything else ends up in the pockets of the inner circle and officials at every level. They own yachts, private jets, and luxury real estate all over the world. And what does the ordinary person have? Nothing but pain, suffering, and a mountain of debt and loans. The current generation openly says they see no future for themselves in my country. They are deeply disillusioned by everything that is happening.

Don't disunderstand me but @Fruktik you may not understand the type of corruption that we are talking about here in Africa. It's often said that the Devil you know maybe better than the angel that you don't know. Yes it's true that when we talk about the issue of corruption it's a universal thing, the political class which you see in your Country Russia as been corrupt may be considered learning when compared to the political leaders in Africa.

Just imagine your government telling you that, a Snake swallow millions of hard currency. I don't think that it will ever happen in your country but this is the type and level of corruption that we have in Africa.

[DrBeer]

Ordinary citizens? Who goes to the polls and entrusts power to other people? Isn’t it citizens? Ordinary citizens.... The days of colonial rulers are over, African countries have gained their freedom, and their people have the right to vote and the right to choose their leaders - no one imposes puppets on you anymore, you choose your own leaders.
Perhaps the problem lies somewhere in this area? Misplaced trust? The wrong choice? A lack of critical thinking regarding campaign promises? If your country isn’t under the yoke of a totalitarian ruler, everything else is a consequence of the population’s actions - or inaction....

When a person is so disillusioned and draws such conclusions, it is reasonable to assume they live in a country where power has been usurped by a group of individuals who cling to it by any means necessary. In such cases, elections are effectively a circus act. In other countries, however, citizens determine their own destiny in a different way.

One need only recall the US elections a few years ago. Trump won by a narrow margin—a difference of just a few percentage points. For him, the process was an incredibly difficult and tense ordeal. That is how elections should unfold when power is not concentrated in the hands of a single individual.

I agree, the usurpation of power by criminals is a very serious problem for the country. We had a similar situation here in Ukraine when the Yanukovych clan used every means possible to build its own "kingdom" and establish a semi-feudal state. The Ukrainian people refused to accept this and overthrew this usurper! Unfortunately, a neighboring totalitarian regime came to his defense, realizing the risks to itself. Ukraine has become a nightmare for the Kremlin; it has shown that even a bloodthirsty tyrant can be removed from power. I hope African countries will also be able to overthrow such regimes!

[Webutxo]

Africa is a blessed continent that is rich in mineral and natural resources. The resources that Africa has will be enough to take care of the rest of the world. When it comes to agriculture we have fertile grounds to grow food so you can't say Africa is poor in any way. The only issue we have is bad leadership and corruption that have eaten deep into it's system. If there was a good system that has checks to maintain balance then things could get better.

This is not a fact, I know that Africa is bless but you are exaggerating it. It's true that we have mineral resource, we are indeed bless but our materials are raw. We are not independent that is why our materials are bought at cheap prices, taken to other places and processed and bring back to Africa and resold to us at expensive price. If we have the processing capacity, we will have those items cheaper if there is enough competition and be able to export to boost exportation.

Our problems are bad leaders and bad follower. Our leaders are not hold responsible for the things they do and the followers are not honest people because whoever that is a leader today is not there before, they are once a common people who deceive their way to the top. This is what they do and we can't blame politicians all the time, we need to play our own part to make it right.

[Adiljutt156]

There is no country anywhere that is too poor in Africa to the point of not having one unique resource, unless you are staying in the Sahara Desert, even the countries in sahara desert has their fair advantages and resources for survival and demand for them in other parts of the world. Just check the countries in parts of Africa, they have oil and gas, but mismanagement of resources and over dependency on them have made the country lazy and poor. They don't explore other resources, unlike other developed countries that have a wide range of resources that benefit their countries.

If you remove mineral resources from Africa, they wouldn't be able to survive thier economy because they generate most of their income from a single resource, and it is this part of that income is stolen by political leaders. Until we eradicate nepotism and take accountability for things that are done in Africa, things will not get better. I don't think an average African country will be better than its current economy in the next 30 years until we improve management.

Poor management and nepotism can indeed cause serious damage to economic development of country. If country has natural resources it does not mean they develop. It is not like they can make profit from it. There are different factors that create economic growth including electricity, education, access to capital, infrastructure, technology and political stability of a country. There are different diversified sectors in some of the African countries including tourism, telecommunications and agriculture so we cannot accurately say that the economy depends only on mineral resources. It is also not okay to say that African have become lazy because they depend on resources. There are different factor that can influence what country can produce including weak institutions and limited industrial capacity. Both better management and accountability are important but development is not completed simply by removing corrupt leaders.

[fruktik]

Don't disunderstand me but @Fruktik you may not understand the type of corruption that we are talking about here in Africa. It's often said that the Devil you know maybe better than the angel that you don't know. Yes it's true that when we talk about the issue of corruption it's a universal thing, the political class which you see in your Country Russia as been corrupt may be considered learning when compared to the political leaders in Africa.

Just imagine your government telling you that, a Snake swallow millions of hard currency. I don't think that it will ever happen in your country but this is the type and level of corruption that we have in Africa.

What do I know about corruption in the Russian Federation? Well, for one thing, about $4 trillion has been siphoned out of the country over the last 25 to 30 years. Can you even begin to picture that amount of money? I don't think the situation where you are comes anywhere close to this.

Yes, corruption levels in Africa are incredibly high, but compared to what goes on in Russia, it’s child's play. Every high-ranking official owns multiple luxury yachts, estates, fancy cars, and private jets. Did they really earn all of that themselves?

What do you see in this photo? This area is called "Rublyovka." It’s where officials live. Do you think these are their luxurious mansions? Yes, they are—but they’re merely doghouses for their pets. They own real estate all over the world; these structures are just for show. You simply cannot imagine the scale of theft in my country.

[Shineup]

Don't disunderstand me but @Fruktik you may not understand the type of corruption that we are talking about here in Africa. It's often said that the Devil you know maybe better than the angel that you don't know. Yes it's true that when we talk about the issue of corruption it's a universal thing, the political class which you see in your Country Russia as been corrupt may be considered learning when compared to the political leaders in Africa.

Just imagine your government telling you that, a Snake swallow millions of hard currency. I don't think that it will ever happen in your country but this is the type and level of corruption that we have in Africa.

What do I know about corruption in the Russian Federation? Well, for one thing, about $4 trillion has been siphoned out of the country over the last 25 to 30 years. Can you even begin to picture that amount of money? I don't think the situation where you are comes anywhere close to this.

Yes, corruption levels in Africa are incredibly high, but compared to what goes on in Russia, it’s child's play. Every high-ranking official owns multiple luxury yachts, estates, fancy cars, and private jets. Did they really earn all of that themselves?

What do you see in this photo? This area is called "Rublyovka." It’s where officials live. Do you think these are their luxurious mansions? Yes, they are—but they’re merely doghouses for their pets. They own real estate all over the world; these structures are just for show. You simply cannot imagine the scale of theft in my country.

Despite that, you can't still compare Russia to Africa in any way, they are far ahead of Africa in development and all, no one is saying there's no corruption in those part of the world, the fact is if you're not being told or go into details you will hardly find out such a thing do happen, but here in Africa it's very much obvious there's corruption in the continent, okay you're talking about $4 trillion that has been siphoned, what if you get to find out that the African leaders has embezzled more than that? And again these people embezzled to still develop the country, but here in Africa they embezzle to develop the western world, so in summary Africa is not poor but they are poor in development.

[Abdulzuruku01]

For now I will say the two, in the world today Africa is the  poorest continent but blessed with the richest gifts pf nature that can put Africa n above all but still continue poor because of corrupt leadership system.  On the aspect of corruption I will say African leaders are the most corrupt set of people in the world and are not ready to change for good.
If the resources in Africa are properly managed as expected,  I will say Africa will become the richest continent so far in the world

Absolutely Africa is not poor but we are not always lucky to be blessed with good leaders that can make things go the right way for us. That is why I'm impressed and happy with the decision that one of the African leaders made about their natural resources, he put in effort to build a gold refinery and he said that no gold will leave their country until it is refined locally in their country. He also made a decision that no foreigner will have access to mineral resources illegally again.

I'm hopeful to see good results from them if the citizens comply and support his motion. If other African nations copy some of their decisions it will be good, particularly country like Nigeria should try to restore some of these government local refineries, provide more to them and make them start refining their products before shipping them out of the country because I'm sure that will boost its economy, alleviate poverty, and make life easy for its citizens.