The World Economic Forum’s projection that Africa will experience an economic growth of 5.8 % by next year - above the global average - ought not to plunge the continent in a festive mood but rather send its planners to the drawing table.
Despite the fact that some African countries have shown massive spurts in growth, they have failed in social indicators such as basic housing, clean water, health, employment, food prices and bridging the rich-poor gap. Failure to reconcile such discrepancies has led to social unrest in a number of African countries.
Whereas the growth trajectory is commendable, more work needs to be done. The growth will be meaningless if the economy is not Africa-owned; foreign aid runs essential services; the continent is pinned down to primary industries and the continent's education system fails to provide innovative manpower and business leaders.
Indeed, as former UN Secretary General Koffi Anan observes, the primary responsibility for progress remains with African leaders and their population - who need to transform the continent’s wealth into results for the benefit of the people.
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