We are witnessing a paradigm shift influenced by the geopolitical need for power and dominance. Africa is gradually becoming a center piece in the game of wit by global geopolitical actors. But why the rush for Africa?.

The African continent has the second largest land area after Asia and the only continent that spans the temperate region of the Northern hemispheres to the temperate region in the Southern hemisphere.

Africa’s population is over 1.5 billion with a youthful population of about 400 million( highest in the world). It is estimated that Africa will reach 2.5 billion people by 2050, and will constitute what is expected to be a quarter of the world’s populace. Sub-Saharan Africa is soon expected to be the only place with birth rates at replacement level or higher, while major economies like China, the US and Europe are expected to see major demographic decline. The above demographics lends credence to Africa’s potentials with regards to future trade, productivity and capital.

As a result of these favorable demographics, the African middle class is anticipated to reach 1.1 billion by 2060, up from 355 million in 2010( highest in the world). Research also found that as early as 2030, 250 million Africans are expected to unlock $3 trillion in consumer spending.
E-commerce is also on the rise across the continent, as analysts forecast internet users will increase from 520 million in 2021 to over 850 million by 2030. Simply put, africa has become a veritable emerging market in a world whose global market that is getting saturated every passing day.

In terms of natural resources, African continent boasts of 30% of the world’s mineral reserves, and demand for rare earth metals alone is expected to reach 315,000 tons by 2030, more than double the volume in 2021. It is noteworthy that exploration is still at it lowest in Africa hence the urgency to increase exploration efforts of these strategic resources is rising at a commensurate level to the commercial opportunities presented in their excavation.

Africa is rich in oil, natural gas and coal. It is estimated to have 125.3 billion barrels of crude oil in reserves and 17.55 trillion standard cubic metres of natural gas. Almost 40% of natural gas discoveries in the last 10 years were in Africa, primarily in Senegal, Mauritania, Mozambique and Tanzania. The above is of immense importance when we talk about global energy security.

It’s of note that, 40% of the World’s gold and up to 90% of chromium and platinum are mined in Africa. Diamonds are also in plentiful supply, as is copper, uranium, iron, cobalt and silver.

When we talk about renewable sources of energy, the world is turning to cobalt and lithium. 70% of the world’s cobalt reserves is in Congo while Zimbabwe has one of the largest lithium reserves in the world.
In terms of agriculture, 65% of the world’s arable land is on the African continent. It means africa can conveniently feed the world if it chooses to wake up making the region hold particular importance in tackling climate change, global food security and reversing the global decline in democratic integrity. Again he who controls food and energy has an immense leverage in global geopolitics.

Africa has the largest free trade areas in the world, It also has one of the largest regional voting groups in the United Nations.Africa is largest market for manufactured goods is the EU and is the fourth largest trading partner to the EU after the United States, United Kingdom and China. Africa houses the Red Sea And The Red Sea is the epicentre of the Arab countries both nationally and geographically.
The Red Sea, with its connection to the Suez Canal, is one of the world’s busiest shipping lanes. Red Sea is of huge strategic importance as it lies between the continents of Asia and Africa, separating the Middle East and the Far East as well as Europe and Asia. Whosoever controls the Red Sea furthers her Influence In the geopolitical power play. Militarily, the Red Sea is also vital for navigation route between nations and their global bases.

In conclusion, whether africa realizes it potential or not is immaterial. The truth is the top guns realize the potential inherent in Africa and do not want to be caught napping should Africa finally wake up to it potentials and decide to “get serious”.
Also the room for economic growth in Africa is limitless in a world where the economies of America and China is almost saturated. This presents an immense opportunity for “investors/scrambler” or whatever name they will like to be called to leverage on the inherent wealth.
But it is my hope that Africa will wake up soon and it is up to the youths(me and you) to lead the charge.