Dr. Mohannad Al Nsour

Can we finally agree that the outdated image of Africa as a continent defined by conflict and poverty no longer reflects its reality? It’s time we acknowledge a different story, one of countries quietly rising and ambitiously building their future.

Yes, Africa has faced the immense post-independence struggles of the mid-20th century: coups, wars, economic dependency, and global marginalization. But a closer look at recent years reveals a new development. Many African nations are undergoing impressive transformations, harnessing their own capacities to meet their needs and develop country-owned, country-led, and country-focused solutions.

Africa’s path is rooted in its own local and regional priorities. It is investing its resources, driving digital transformation, prioritizing health and food security, empowering communities through decentralization, and expanding social protection systems. Rather than imitating ready-made models, Africa is shaping a development roadmap tailored to its history, needs, evolving context, and practical partnerships.

What makes this transformation possible is a combination of factors, most notably Africa’s youthful population, with over 60% under the age of 25. Add to that the continent’s rich natural resources and a strategic geographic location connecting three continents.

Several countries are using their unique advantages to drive progress. Rwanda stands out for its good governance and digital leadership. Senegal continues to strengthen its democracy while building a balanced economy. Morocco is heavily investing in renewable energy and advanced industries. Ghana is known for its political stability and dynamic civil society. Kenya leads East Africa’s digital innovation space, while Egypt, with its strategic location and major infrastructure projects, remains a regional heavyweight despite its economic hurdles. Ethiopia, while navigating internal conflict, still holds enormous development potential if stability can be restored.

And when it comes to achievements, these are not always individual or isolated efforts. One of Africa’s strengths today is the growing momentum for cooperation. Countries are working together to amplify their influence and achieve collective gains. The African Union (AU) has become more active and effective in key areas. In the realm of health, the establishment of the Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (Africa CDC) marked a major step. The Africa CDC led the continent’s COVID-19 response, trained personnel, coordinated emergency actions, and provided essential technical support to member states.

In politics and security, the AU has deployed peacekeeping missions in Somalia and the Central African Republic and continues mediation efforts in Ethiopia, Mali, and elsewhere. On the economic front, Africa is moving forward with its most ambitious integration project to date, the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), a bold initiative aimed at unifying markets, boosting intra-African trade, and positioning the continent as a stronger player in the global economy.

People often compare Africa’s progress to the “Asian Tigers” of the 1990s, South Korea, Taiwan, Hong Kong, and Singapore. But Africa is following a different path. It’s not only about chasing high GDP numbers or rankings on development indexes. The real story is about countries focusing on their own solutions, working together through regional cooperation, investing in digital innovation, and creating a modern development model that fits their needs. Africa shouldn’t be judged by someone else’s experience.

The Lions are rising in their own way, and this progress will continue.

Africa today is not the Africa of the 1960s or the 1990s. It is a continent reshaping its future through its own will, resources, and alliances. This transformation is not without challenges. Sustaining it will demand resilience and hard choices, as the continent, like others around the world, continues to face conflict, climate change, debt, and competing foreign interests.

Africa’s Lions are finding their voice. These nations are stepping forward, building on their own strengths and resources, to claim an important place on the global stage.