Where Is the jinx of Africa’s underdevelopment?

As the global community faces pressing challenges related to sustainable development and inclusive growth, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu of Nigeria has reignited a crucial conversation about Africa’s potential to overcome the underdevelopment that has long hindered its progress. 

Speaking alongside Rwandan President Paul Kagame at the Abu Dhabi Sustainability Week (ADSW 2025), Tinubu boldly declared that Africa has the resources, people, and capacity to develop on its own.

This statement, shared through Tinubu’s official X account, is not just a reminder of Africa’s widely recognized potential but also a call for action.

“The time for Africa is now. We can. We must. We will,” Tinubu emphasized, underscoring the urgency and determination needed to break the cycle of underdevelopment.

A Continent Rich in Resources, Yet Struggling

Africa is often described as a paradox—endowed with vast natural wealth and human potential, yet home to some of the world’s poorest nations. With abundant mineral deposits, fertile land, energy resources, and a youthful workforce, the continent possesses everything it needs to prosper. However, persistent issues such as corruption, poor governance, inadequate infrastructure, and exploitation have hindered progress.

Tinubu’s remarks serve as a reminder of the need to address these internal challenges while tapping into Africa’s strengths. “We must look inward to improve intra-African trade and collaboration to benefit the African people and the continent,” he noted. His emphasis on intra-African trade signals the growing recognition that regional cooperation could be transformative for the continent’s development.

The African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA): A Hopeful Path

Currently, intra-African trade makes up less than 20% of the continent’s total trade volume, compared to Europe’s 68% and Asia’s 59%. The African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), launched in 2021, offers a promising solution. By creating a unified market of 1.3 billion people and removing trade barriers, the AfCFTA could increase intra-African trade by over 50%, according to the United Nations Economic Commission for Africa (UNECA).

Tinubu’s call for enhanced collaboration aligns with the AfCFTA’s goals. To realize this vision, however, African nations must address logistical challenges, standardize regulations, and invest in key infrastructure like roads, railways, and ports. This includes the critical need for a functional Warri Port, where the Delta State Government must play a proactive role in any related projects.

Leadership and Vision: Key to Unlocking Africa’s Potential

While Africa’s natural and human resources are undeniable, the key to unlocking its potential lies in effective leadership. President Tinubu’s engagement with global leaders such as Kagame and Sheikh Mohamed Al Nahyan at the Abu Dhabi Sustainability Week serves as an opportunity to showcase proactive leadership. The event, with the theme “The Nexus of Next: Supercharging Sustainable Progress,” seeks to explore paths for socioeconomic transformation, a mission deeply aligned with Africa’s aspirations.

Kagame, celebrated for Rwanda’s remarkable transformation, serves as a shining example of what strong leadership can achieve. Under his leadership, Rwanda has become a symbol of stability, economic growth, and innovation. Tinubu’s collaboration with Kagame suggests a willingness to learn from successful African models while fostering a spirit of cooperation.

We must also embrace agriculture, leveraging our comparative advantage in the sector to unlock the continent’s full potential, as President Tinubu has highlighted. Failure to prioritize this across all levels of government—from federal to state to local—will be a missed opportunity.

Breaking the Jinx: A Call to Action

To break the jinx of underdevelopment, Africa needs more than just words; it requires decisive action. Tinubu’s statement should serve as a rallying cry for African leaders, policymakers, and citizens to transcend divisions and unite behind a shared vision for the future.

Key focus areas include:

• Strengthening Governance: Transparent and accountable governance is essential to attract investment and ensure resources are distributed equitably.

• Investing in Education and Innovation: Africa’s youth is its greatest asset. Providing them with the skills 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: Fully implementing platforms like the AfCFTA will help unlock the benefits of a united African market.

The Time for Action is Now

“The time for Africa is now,” Tinubu declared. In a rapidly changing global landscape, the window of opportunity is closing. Climate change, geopolitical tensions, and technological advancements present both challenges and opportunities for Africa to redefine its role in the world.

As the Abu Dhabi Sustainability Week unfolds, the world will be watching to see how Africa positions itself in the global conversation on sustainable development. President Tinubu’s words, coupled with Kagame’s proven leadership, offer a glimmer of hope that the continent is ready to shed the shackles of underdevelopment and claim its rightful place on the global stage.

The question 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 embrace the truth that where there is a will, there is a way. Africa’s future lies in the hands of Africans. The world is watching, and we cannot afford to remain stagnant. Africa must rise now, particularly in this era under President Tinubu, who has rightly identified our growth potential and the path toward true greatness.