IS AFRICA A FAILED CONTINENT OR JUST A “SHITHOLE”?

IS AFRICA A FAILED CONTINENT OR JUST A “SHITHOLE”?

One cannot help but wonder what Africa’s great freedom fighters—Mandela, Nkrumah, Sankara, Kenyatta, Lumumba—would think of the continent they sacrificed everything to liberate. They fought for dignity, self-rule, and progress. Yet today, Africa’s reality stands in painful contrast to its dream.

Despite holding some of the world’s richest natural resources—30% of global minerals, nearly 40% of the world’s gold, and vast oil and gas reserves—Africa still struggles to feed its people, educate its youth, and provide basic healthcare. A continent so wealthy should not be so poor.

Other former colonies, such as Singapore, Malaysia, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand, have built strong institutions and thriving economies. Africa, however, remains trapped in instability, corruption, weak governance, and chronic mismanagement.

According to the Financial Intelligence Centre (FIC), Africa loses about $88.6 billion every year through illicit financial flows—stolen through corruption, tax evasion, money laundering, and trade manipulation. This is money that could build schools, hospitals, roads, and industries.

So where did we go wrong? Is Africa cursed? Did our heroes die in vain? Or have African leaders simply failed in their most basic duty—to serve the people?

Leadership is now Africa’s greatest crisis. When greed replaces service, when impunity replaces accountability, and when truth is buried in silence, a continent cannot progress. No wonder so many of Africa’s brightest minds are leaving—not out of laziness, but out of frustration.

Unless African leaders restore honesty, discipline, and responsibility to governance, the continent will continue to fail its youth and betray its own history.

To the leaders of Africa: Is this truly the legacy you want to leave behind? Africa deserves better—and can do better.