Winter 2025
A Continent of Consequence
– Mo Dewji
As Africa’s influence grows, the global community must engage with it as a partner—investing in its growth, supporting its innovations, and respecting its voice in global governance.
Africa holds the key to unlocking the future. The continent's vast potential is already reshaping the global landscape. Africa is uniquely positioned to influence the global economy, drive innovation, and manage resources in ways the world cannot overlook. Our human future is inextricably linked to Africa’s success.
The world can no longer afford to view Africa’s 54 diverse nations as a collection of obstacles instead of opportunities.
Every continent possesses its complexities and wealth, yet Africa’s story has often been overshadowed by narratives that focus on its challenges rather than its potential. The world can no longer afford to view Africa’s 54 diverse nations as a collection of obstacles instead of opportunities. Such a perspective is not just outdated—it jeopardizes global progress. As the future of humanity becomes increasingly tied to Africa’s success, it is not just important to change this narrative—it is imperative.
From my time in politics to growing the family business and founding the Mo Dewji Foundation, I have always believed that Africa holds immense untapped potential that is waiting to be unlocked by those who recognize its true richness.
Rapidly Burgeoning Economies
Africa is home to some of the world’s fastest-growing economies, driven by dynamic enterprises that are transforming sectors like energy, mining, agriculture, manufacturing, and technology. While most African economies are growing at rates between 4% and 6%, Europe and the US are seeing growth of just 1% to 3%. East Africa, in particular, is leading the way, with countries like Rwanda averaging 7.5% GDP growth over the past decade, while inflation remains well-controlled at 3.5%. This economic environment offers immense opportunities for businesses willing to invest with a moderate risk appetite.
African businesses are thriving and expanding on the global stage. For example, the Dangote Group has extended its cement operations into markets as far as Nepal and Brazil, while South Africa’s Kusile Labs is expanding its biotechnology footprint with acquisitions in Asia and Europe. My own MeTL Group, one of Tanzania’s largest conglomerates founded by my grandmother, produces and trades agricultural, industrial, and consumer goods that are available throughout Tanzania and across Eastern and Southern Africa. We continue to build stronger intercontinental connections and diversify partnerships with leading international companies tapping into global markets.
By leveraging technology and promoting environmentally friendly practices, African nations can transform their agricultural systems, ensuring greater food self-sufficiency while contributing to global food supply chains.
Once viewed as aid-dependent, African nations are now pivotal drivers of global economic growth. Africa’s mineral wealth is powering the green transition and fueling technological innovation worldwide. Several countries, including my home country Tanzania, are discovering vast deposits of critical minerals essential for lithium-ion battery production, such as nickel, manganese, graphite, cobalt, and copper. It is crucial that these natural resources are not merely extracted, but that we create lasting wealth for our people. Governments, including those of Zimbabwe and Zambia, are beginning to encourage local mineral processing, which could generate substantial revenue for their economies.
A key driver of Africa’s growth is the strengthening of its trade networks. The African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) is a significant step forward in this effort, and, crucially, it is supported by investments in the infrastructure necessary to ensure smooth and efficient transportation of goods. Tanzania’s new Standard Gauge Rail line, operational for the past six months, has already proven to be a game-changer, facilitating the smooth movement of passengers between the country’s commercial and capital cities. Across the continent, bridges are being built, railways are being expanded, and roads are being paved. With an estimated $2.3 trillion in domestic assets, Africa holds immense potential for continued growth. However, only about 2% of African pension fund assets are currently invested in infrastructure—half the global average. By increasing investment in infrastructure, Africa could unlock up to $88 billion, a transformative sum that would accelerate progress. While challenges remain, the continent is steadily developing the infrastructure needed to drive collective growth through trade and enterprise development.
A Major Breadbasket
Africa is home to 60% of the world’s uncultivated arable land, positioning it as a key player in global food security. By modernizing agriculture and embracing sustainable practices, Africa has the potential to feed the world while driving significant economic growth. Companies like Komaza in Kenya and Rwanda’s Habona Ltd are already leading the way, offering innovative, sustainable models in forestry and eco-friendly fuel production that can serve as blueprints for further development. MeTL is committed to following suit, supporting and prioritizing food security across the continent.
The increasing number of tech-savvy youths presents an incredible opportunity to address local and global challenges with innovative, homegrown solutions.
Africa’s agricultural sector offers vast opportunities for growth and innovation, especially in areas such as agro-processing, sustainable farming techniques, and value-added production. By leveraging technology and promoting environmentally friendly practices, African nations can transform their agricultural systems, ensuring greater food self-sufficiency while contributing to global food supply chains. This shift toward sustainability will also foster job creation, enhance livelihoods, and ensure that Africa can meet both its own food needs and the growing demand from global markets.
Investing in agriculture, alongside the necessary infrastructure and technology, will position Africa as a key driver of global food security while fueling broader economic development. By focusing on long-term, sustainable solutions, the continent can harness its agricultural potential to feed the world and elevate the living standards of its people.
Advantageous Demographic Trends
Africa’s greatest asset is its people. By 2060, the continent’s population will surpass that of India and China combined, with more than half of Africa’s population yet to reach age 25. This youthful demographic is a powerful engine for progress. Africa’s young people are entrepreneurial, driven to shape their futures, and eager to make an impact. They will be the ones to lead advancements in technology, sustainability, and industry, accelerating Africa’s digital transformation and improving sectors like healthcare, education, and agriculture.
The increasing number of tech-savvy youths presents an incredible opportunity to address local and global challenges with innovative, homegrown solutions. Young leaders are not only the future of Africa—they are the catalysts for change in their communities today.
A Hub of Innovation
Africa has made remarkable technological strides, with the International Telecommunication Union Measuring Digital Development: Facts and Figures 2023 report showing growth from around 16% in 2013 to 40% by 2022. Yet, the opportunities ahead remain vast. Expanding internet access and digital literacy could unlock an additional $224 billion in GDP growth, with profound implications for productivity, market access, and economic empowerment. African innovators are no longer just consumers of ideas—they are creators of the future. Financial technology platforms like Nala and Mpesa are revolutionizing payments, while companies like Flutterwave and Jumia are making waves in global markets. In Rwanda, drones are delivering critical medical supplies to remote areas. Governments across the continent are harnessing technology to improve public services, manage resources more efficiently, and enhance accessibility for their citizens. These innovations are not only shaping Africa's future—they are setting the stage for a more connected, empowered world.
Political and Cultural Ascendancy
The cultural consciousness is increasingly recognizing the rhythms and creative energies that have long defined African cultures. Africans are making their mark in music, literature, and film, and international artists are beginning to travel to our nations, drawn by the growing African fanbase. Chris Brown recently performed to sold-out stadiums in South Africa, Sean Paul performed in Dar es Salaam last November, and this year, John Legend will headline the Global Citizen festival in Kigali and Lagos. Major hits from artists like Rema and Tyla are now global anthems.
Africa’s moment is now. Its significance lies not only in its vast potential but also in its ability to unlock that potential.
In film and television, local production is being elevated. Idris Elba is making significant investments in African cinema, starting with Ghana and Tanzania. Streaming platform Netflix is supporting content production in Kenya, Nigeria, and South Africa. Several films made on the continent have been recognized at international film festivals. These are important investments that create opportunities for young Africans to see their own stories on screen.
On the political stage, significant efforts are underway to ensure that Africa is represented in global forums and that we have strong international institutions of our own. The push for an African seat on the UN Security Council is gaining momentum and has never been stronger.
By 2050, Africans will represent nearly a quarter of the global population. The question is no longer whether Africa matters—clearly, it does—but when the global community will fully acknowledge its importance and actively contribute to its growth. Africa’s rise is inevitable, and the world must be ready to be a part of it. There are a number of ways to sustain and accelerate Africa’s growth.
Promote Pan-African Unity
Across the continent, nations are dismantling barriers to Pan-African unity and development. Ghana, for example, recently became the fifth African country to offer visa-free entry to fellow Africans. Nearly every African country is expanding its national airline network, enhancing intra-Africa travel. To strengthen our collective economic weight on the global stage, we must further empower our international and regional representative bodies, ensuring our voices are unified.
National Support for Industrialization
In the early 2000s, MeTL made a strategic pivot toward local manufacturing, acquiring small businesses and helping them scale into major profit centers. While agriculture remains a cornerstone of our economies, industrialization must be equally prioritized. Both the public and private sectors must collaborate to add value to raw materials, fostering industries that can compete effectively on the global stage and boost African economies.
Public-Private Partnerships
Africa’s financial resources are an untapped catalyst for development. With $2.3 trillion in domestic assets, the continent holds immense potential. However, only about 2% of African pension fund assets are currently invested in infrastructure, which is half the global average. By boosting infrastructure investments through public-private partnerships, Africa could unlock up to $88 billion—an amount that would transform the continent’s progress.
Recognizing Local Expertise
We, as Africans, possess strength, resilience, and invaluable expertise in navigating our unique challenges. Our knowledge of local circumstances and solutions is crucial to our development. There is a growing international call to “localize”—to prioritize local sources of knowledge and empower local actors to direct change within their communities.
Africa’s moment is now. Its significance lies not only in its vast potential but also in its ability to unlock that potential. The global community must engage with Africa as a partner—investing in its growth, supporting its innovations, and respecting its voice in global governance. Africa is not just a continent of untapped resources; it is a cradle of possibilities, a source of inspiration, and a beacon of transformation for the world.
Mohammed Dewji is a leading Tanzanian businessman who serves as CEO of MeTL Group, one of Tanzania’s largest conglomerates.
Cover image: Shutterstock/kerenby.
