PR for Africa has been poor. The impression most people have is of one massive failed state (Yes state. This is another thing that really gets me riled up. I remember being at this fundraiser and the 1st prize was a holiday for two to Africa) riddled with war, disease and strife even though evidence for a few years now has been to the contrary. Economies of at least a dozen countries in Africa have expanded by more than 6% a year for six or more years. Ethiopia will grow by 7.5% this year, without a drop of oil to export (economist).
My first impression of Uganda with it's cinemas and bowling alleys was how far ahead it was economically to Ghana. I was not comparing apples to apples. It has been almost 3 years since I left Ghana. Ghana had an incredible GDP growth of 7.3% in 2008 and has seen steady growth around 4 to 5% since. A new mall with cinema was due to be opened the month after I left.
It's far from perfect. There are many issues still to be resolved from kleptocratic governments to poor incentives for new businesses but it's not the doom and gloom story of a decade ago. With comparative peace and advancements towards democracy, the future is brighter than ever.
Today, I came across a great article in the New Yorker which collates the "10 biggest positive africa stories of 2011". Everyone should read these and talk about it. Let's dispel the antiquated myth of "the hopeless continent".
And for god's sake, if you hear someone refer to the continent as a country, hit them over the head with the hardest thing you can get your hands on.
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