Africa: The Ascent to Global Power

Jason DeCrow | Mastercard Foundation
From left, Areej Noor, Founder and CEO, Statement, Chido Cleopatra Mpemba, Special Envoy on Youth to African Union Chairperson and Cabinet, Deniece Laurent-Mantey, Special Advisor of U.S.-Africa Leaders Summit Implementation, U.S. Department of State, and CNN Correspondent Stephanie Busari participate in the Mastercard Foundation Incredible Africans session at the Unstoppable Africa Summit during the 2023 United Nations General Assembly in New York. The session celebrated young African women trailblazers shattering conventions and challenging preconceived notions of Africa and its impact on the global stage.
12 October 2023
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Unstoppable Africa (New York)

Unleashing the Potential of a Quarter of Humanity/the world  by 2050

An imminent demographic revolution of historic proportions beckons Africa's visionaries. By 2050, projections indicate that one in every four individuals on Earth will proudly identify as African. This isn't merely a statistic; it signifies a profound opportunity for Africa and its forward-thinkers.

What does a world where a majority of its population is African mean for Africa's future?

It means that Africa is poised to become a global economic powerhouse, redefining the dynamics of power, influence, and growth. As Africa's population burgeons, so does its market potential, making it a pivotal player in global trade, investment, and economic growth. This demographic advantage positions Africa to not only offer a massive consumer market and an abundant labor force but also to be a major producer of global culture, technology, and innovation.

Africa's youthful population is the driving force behind future global trends, technological advancements, and socio-economic policies, making it imperative for Africa's forward-thinkers to invest in their development and empowerment. The future of our interconnected world hinges on the potential of young Africans; their success is not only Africa's asset but also the world's.

Within this transformative landscape, dynamic young and incredible Africans have spoken eloquently about the opportunities that this demographic shift presents.

Deniece Laurent-Mantey, the daughter of Ghanaian immigrants to the United States, sees a historic opportunity for economic collaboration. Recently appointed as the Executive Director of the Advisory Council on African Diaspora Engagement within the Biden administration, her unique perspective bridges Africa and the United States, facilitating collaboration as Africa ascends as an economic powerhouse. Laurent-Mantey articulates this vision, stating, "The currency of our generation is Africa's innovation. The convergence of digital technology, the arts, and entrepreneurship presents unparalleled economic prospects where partnerships can flourish."

Zimbabwean Chido Mpemba, the youngest diplomat in the African Union's history and the African Union's Special Envoy on Youth, embodies the boundless potential of Africa's young people, the demographic poised to reshape global economics. Her advocacy for youth development issues and partnerships to catalyze social and policy change present compelling opportunities for engagement in Africa's rapidly evolving economic landscape. "Africa's youth are driving social and economic change across the continent," she emphasized. "We are change-makers, and partnerships enabling us to catalyze meaningful social and policy change offer significant potential for those looking to engage with Africa's bright future."

Areej Noor, a Somali-American entrepreneur, champions the untapped creative and commercial potential of African and African Diaspora female filmmakers, bridging the gap between them and the international market through her company, Statement. "It's abundantly clear that the creative talent on the continent is truly unmatched," she passionately declared.  "Across all fields within the creative spectrum, we witness remarkable potential. The real crisis we face is one of opportunity. Those who are poised to drive substantial change are those willing to forge strategic partnerships and engage in collaborative efforts to construct the necessary infrastructure and pipelines essential for realizing our shared goals over the next 10, 15, or even 100 years."

This demographic shift signifies more than just a numerical change; it heralds a profound transformation in global geopolitics, economics, and culture. It underscores the imperative for Africa's visionaries to invest wholeheartedly in the development and empowerment of Africa's youth. Initiatives such as the Mastercard Foundation's ambitious commitment to provide employment for 30 million young Africans by 2030 through their Young Africa Works strategy serve as a compelling reminder of the vast economic growth and opportunity that lies within our grasp.

For those who aspire to seize the opportunities presented by this demographic transformation, it represents an inspiring narrative of change and progress. It offers boundless potential for investment, innovation, and collaborative ventures with African institutions. As Africa positions itself to become a future economic powerhouse, let us recognize that our continent's success is intrinsically linked to global advancement and prosperity. Africa is not merely the future; it is the dynamic force shaping our shared destiny and the master key to unlocking unparalleled economic potential right within its borders.

For an in-depth exploration of how these visionary young Africans are shaping the continent's future on a global stage, we invite you to watch their insightful session, Incredible Africans, co-created by the Mastercard Foundation, on the sidelines of the 2023 UN General Assembly here. Discover firsthand the narratives of innovation, resilience, and empowerment that promise to redefine Africa's global influence and potential.

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