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Development done right: Why Africa needs more than good intentions

 

The annual World Economic Forum (WEF) in Davos has long been a gathering place for global leaders and thinkers, tackling some of the world’s most pressing issues. In recent years, including the 2024 and 2025 sessions, Africa has taken center stage as a continent brimming with potential but burdened by persistent challenges. Samuel Munzele Maimbo, Vice President of the World Bank, captured the essence of this dynamic in his compelling article, *Development Done Right: Why Africa Needs More Than Good Intentions*.

Maimbo’s core argument is simple yet powerful: Africa needs tangible, action-oriented solutions, not just well-meaning rhetoric. While the continent’s challenges are debated year after year in elite forums like Davos, those discussions often fail to translate into practical outcomes. “Africa’s challenges cannot be solved by talks from afar; they demand action grounded in reality,” Maimbo asserts. His call to action resonates at a critical juncture, as Africa’s momentous potential runs the risk of being overshadowed by inaction.

Africa is a land of striking contrasts. It holds 60% of the world’s uncultivated arable land* and is home to a youthful, innovative population poised to drive global change. Yet, it remains hamstrung by daunting issues: nearly half of its 1.37 billion people lack access to electricity, and over 280 million citizens face food insecurity. Despite hosting some of the fastest-growing economies, Africa’s average economic growth still lags behind other regions.

“How,” Maimbo asks, “can a continent blessed with fertile lands and abundant resources continue to struggle with hunger?” The paradox underscores an urgent need for targeted solutions that go beyond lofty aspirations and address these contradictions head-on.

 

The roadmap for addressing Africa’s challenges is clear, yet action remains painfully slow. Here are three critical areas where meaningful steps can create transformative change:

1. Closing the Energy Gap
Africa’s energy crisis is a major barrier to development, with nearly *600 million people* living without electricity. Addressing this requires approximately $25 billion annually until 2030. Regionally interconnected energy grids, powered by renewable sources like solar and hydro, could dramatically improve electricity access, empowering businesses and rural communities alike.

2. Modernizing Agriculture
Agriculture is Africa’s most overlooked yet most vital sector. With proper investments in infrastructure—such as roads, irrigation, and food storage—Africa could move toward self-sufficiency and become a global agricultural leader. Innovations like precision farming and improved market integration could also ensure that Africa’s agricultural revolution is both sustainable and scalable.

3. Unlocking Intra-African Trade
Trade within Africa accounts for only *15% of the continent’s total commerce*, a figure that pales in comparison to intra-regional trade levels in Europe and Asia. The establishment of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) offers hope, but its success will depend on practical measures like modernizing ports, harmonizing trade policies, and streamlining customs processes. Effective implementation could unlock billions of dollars in economic potential.

Ultimately, the solutions to Africa’s challenges must center on its people. Maimbo emphasizes the importance of education reform, pointing out that many African graduates are unprepared for global job markets due to outdated systems. Addressing healthcare inequities is equally crucial, as millions lack access to basic medical services.

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