Imagining the future of Africa 2025 - Introduction

Africa is one of the most populous and largest continent in the world, second to Asia, with the population of about 1.1 billion as of 2013 and a total land area of about 30.2 km² which constitute about six percent of the earth total surface area (World population data sheet, 2013). Africa is the richest continent in the world blessed with abundant natural resources, yet it is considered as one of the world’ most poorest and underdeveloped continent stricken by war, diseases, poverty, high level illiteracy and corruption.

Africa is a very diverse continent with a lot of cultures, with more than a 1000 different languages spoken on the continent, which makes Africa the most multilingual continent in the world. Various religions are practiced in Africa, but Christianity and Islam are considered to be the largest religions been practiced in Africa.

In her article title “Africa Youth, Innovation and the changing society” Njideka U. Hary stated that Africa has the youngest population among all continents of the world, about 50% of the population are younger than 25. This statistics clearly tell us that the future of Africa is in the hands of the young people, who make up majority of the population of the African continent.

Africa 2025 is more likely to become very prosperous, economically diverse and industrialized continent, should African countries and leaders start doing more to empower the youth, reduce poverty and provide equal economic opportunities. Critical aspects regarding governance, democracy, economic are likely to be driven by African ideas and initiatives.