Where is the Jinx of Africa’s Underdevelopment?
By Wilson Macaulay
As the world grapples with the urgent need for sustainable development and inclusive growth, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu of Nigeria has re-ignited a pivotal conversation about Africa’s potential to overcome the underdevelopment that has long plagued the continent. Speaking alongside Rwandan President Paul Kagame on the eve of the Abu Dhabi Sustainability Week (ADSW 2025), Tinubu made a bold declaration that Africa has the resources, people, and capacity to develop itself.
The statement, delivered through Tinubu’s official X account, is not just a reiteration of Africa’s oft-acknowledged potential but a call to action for the continent to chart its course toward economic prosperity and self-reliance. “The time for Africa is now. We can. We must. We will,” Tinubu asserted, signaling a renewed sense of urgency and determination to break the jinx of underdevelopment.
A Continent Rich in Resources but Poor in Outcomes
Africa is often described as a paradox: a land of immense natural wealth and human capital, yet home to some of the world’s poorest nations. With vast mineral deposits, fertile lands, abundant energy resources, and a youthful population eager to contribute, the continent has everything it needs to thrive. Yet, systemic issues such as corruption, poor governance, inadequate infrastructure, and external exploitation have hindered progress.
Tinubu’s remarks has once again reminded us of the need for Africa to address these internal challenges while leveraging on its unique strengths. “We must look inward to improve intra-African trade and collaboration to benefit the African people and the continent,” he stated. His emphasis on intra-African trade reflects the growing recognition that regional cooperation could bring on thr table to be a game-changer in the continent’s development journey.
The African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA): A Promising Pathway
Intra-African trade currently accounts for less than 20% of the continent’s total trade volume, a stark contrast to Europe’s 68% or Asia’s 59%. The African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), launched in 2021, is a landmark initiative aimed at changing this narrative. By creating a single market of 1.3 billion people and eliminating trade barriers, the AfCFTA could boost intra-African trade by over 50%, according to the United Nations Economic Commission for Africa (UNECA).
Tinubu’s call for increased collaboration aligns with the goals of the AfCFTA. However, for this vision to materialize, African nations must address logistical challenges, standardize regulations, and invest in critical infrastructure like roads, railways, and ports. That reminds me of the imperative of a functional Warri Port and what the Delta State Government Must do as a stakeholder in whatever project that is domiciled in the state
Leadership and Vision: The Missing Ingredients
While Africa’s natural and human resources are undeniable, leadership remains a critical factor in translating potential into tangible outcomes. President Tinubu’s engagement with global leaders like Paul Kagame and Sheikh Mohamed Al Nahyan at the Abu Dhabi Sustainability Week is another opportunity to demonstrate their commitment to proactive and visionary leadership. The event, themed “The Nexus of Next: Supercharging Sustainable Progress,” aims to explore pathways for socioeconomic transformation—a mission that resonates deeply with Africa’s aspirations.
Kagame, often celebrated for Rwanda’s remarkable turnaround, serves as a testament to what determined leadership can achieve. Under his guidance, Rwanda has become a model of stability, economic growth, and innovation. Tinubu’s dialogue with Kagame suggests a willingness to learn from successful African examples while fostering a collaborative spirit.
Let us embrace agriculture using the instrumentality of comparative advantage in that sector to unlock our great potential which President Tinubu have acknowledged. If we fail to do that
at the three tiers of Government, from federal to State and local government, we would have ourselves to blame.
That reminds me of the motto of Urhobo Voice Newspaper, if you don’t fight your fight nobody will fight it for you.
Yes Africa have all the potential for development, but you and l have a role to play , to invest our oil money in agriculture and expand our crude oil refining to different products which are over one hundred. No
Breaking the Jinx: A Call to Action
Breaking the jinx of Africa’s underdevelopment requires more than rhetoric; it demands action. Tinubu’s declaration should be seen as a rallying cry for African leaders, policymakers, and citizens to rise above divisions and embrace a shared vision for the continent’s future.
Key areas of focus should include:
Strengthening Governance: Transparent, accountable, and effective governance is essential to attract investment and ensure equitable distribution of resources.
Investing in Education and Innovation: Africa’s youthful population is its greatest asset. Equipping them with the skills and tools to innovate will drive economic growth and global competitiveness.
Maximizing Natural Resources: Developing local industries to process and add value to raw materials will reduce dependency on exports and create jobs.
Enhancing Regional Cooperation: Platforms like the AfCFTA should be fully operationalized to unlock the benefits of a united African market.
The Time is Now
“The time for Africa is now,” Tinubu declared. Indeed, the window of opportunity is narrowing in a rapidly changing global landscape. Climate change, geopolitical tensions, and technological disruptions present both challenges and opportunities for Africa to redefine its narrative.
As the Abu Dhabi Sustainability Week unfolds, the world will be watching to see how Africa positions itself in the global discourse on sustainable development. President Tinubu’s words, coupled with Kagame’s proven track record, offer a glimmer of hope that the continent is ready to shed the shackles of underdevelopment and claim its rightful place on the world stage.
The question, therefore, is no longer whether Africa has what it takes to develop—it does. The real question is: Will Africa seize the moment and chart a new course for its people and future generations? We must understand the truism that where there is a Will there is a Way. Africa’s destiny indeed lies in the hands of Africans. The world is watching, we cannot afford to remain fallen, so Africa must rise in our time, particularly in this dispensation of President Tinubu Who have correctly identified our growth potential and the capacity to journey in the path to true greatness.
