Africa is a continent of immense potential and natural wealth, yet it remains trapped in a cycle of persistent poverty. While other regions have seen significant reductions in poverty over the past decades, Africa’s situation has worsened. The decline in quality of life and rising poverty rates in Africa are not the result of divine will or intrinsic flaws but are rooted in leadership failures and systemic issues. In the past thirty years, regions like Latin America and Asia have made notable progress in reducing poverty. 

These regions have improved living standards and economic conditions significantly. Conversely, Africa has experienced a steady deterioration in quality of life, with persistent economic stagnation exacerbating poverty. According to Outreach International, 23 of the 28 poorest countries globally, with extreme poverty rates above 30%, are in Africa. 

The World Bank’s data reveals that while Africa constituted 14% of the world’s poor in 1990, this figure soared to 57% in sub-Saharan Africa by 2019, with Nigeria being a significant contributor. Nigeria’s situation is particularly dire. In 2018, Nigeria surpassed India as the world’s poverty capital, with 87 million citizens living in extreme poverty. By 2023, the World Poverty Clock estimated 71 million Nigerians remained in extreme poverty. 

The National Bureau of Statistics reported that 133 million Nigerians were living in multidimensional poverty in 2022, a figure that rose to 140 million in 2023 due to economic policy shifts. These figures reflect a broader trend across Africa. In 2024, approximately 429 million Africans are living in extreme poverty, according to Statista. 

The COVID-19 pandemic has worsened the situation, with UNCTAD reporting that 490 million people in Africa lived below the $1.90 per day poverty line in 2021, up from 478 million in 2019. The Gini Index also shows increasing inequality within and between African countries, highlighting the growing disparity between the wealthy and the impoverished. 

It is a common misconception that Africa’s poverty is a result of divine will or inherent deficiencies within the continent. 

This oversimplified view fails to address the real issues. At a recent forum in Kenya, former Nigerian President Olusegun Obasanjo challenged this notion, asserting, “Africa has no reason to be poor. Our poverty is not an act of God. We are steeped in poverty due to our poor mentality. We need to wake up because we have a wealth of resources. We need to awaken.” Obasanjo’s statement underscores a crucial truth: Africa’s poverty is not a preordained fate but a result of human actions and systemic failures. 

Read Also:

From Front-Runner To Follower: Nigeria’s Economic Decline

The continent’s wealth of natural resources contrasts sharply with the widespread poverty experienced by many of its inhabitants. This disparity points to leadership failures rather than a lack of resources. Leadership failures have played a significant role in perpetuating Africa’s poverty. 

Many African leaders have struggled to foster sustainable development, combat corruption, and create inclusive economic policies, resulting in entrenched poverty and stunted growth. This issue is not new; since independence, many African nations have faced ineffective and often corrupt leadership. 

One major issue is the failure to address energy poverty. Over 620 million people in sub-Saharan Africa lack access to electricity. The International Energy Agency predicts that 75% of sub-Saharan Africans will still lack electricity by 2040. The African Energy Chamber highlights that this lack of access reinforces poverty and hampers economic development.

Additionally, many African leaders have prioritized personal and political gain over the welfare of their citizens. This self-serving approach has led to the mismanagement and looting of national resources, benefiting a small elite while the majority suffer. The Council on Foreign Relations notes that since 1960, 14 African leaders have held power illegally for over 30 years, reflecting deep-rooted governance issues. 

Corruption remains a significant barrier to development in Africa. Leaders who engage in corrupt practices divert resources from essential development projects and undermine public trust. The misappropriation of funds and resources has impeded progress in infrastructure, healthcare, and education, all critical for economic growth and poverty reduction. The international community also plays a role in perpetuating Africa’s poverty through inadequate responses to corruption and financial mismanagement. 

Efforts to recover and repatriate stolen funds, such as the notorious Sani Abacha loot, have often been hindered by bureaucracy and lack of political will. The international community must intensify efforts to assist African nations in recovering stolen assets and ensuring these funds are used effectively. To address its poverty crisis, Africa must embrace robust democratic practices and build strong institutions. 

Effective democratic governance ensures transparency, accountability, and citizen participation, which are essential for tackling systemic issues and promoting equitable development. Strong institutions are crucial for combating corruption, upholding the rule of law, and implementing policies that drive economic growth and poverty alleviation. Building a culture of democratic accountability requires both institutional reforms and a shift in societal attitudes toward leadership and governance. 

Citizens must demand greater transparency from their leaders and actively participate in the democratic process to hold them accountable. Economic growth is vital for reducing poverty and improving living standards. African countries should focus on diversifying their economies, enhancing international trade, and boosting foreign exchange earnings. 

By creating an environment conducive to investment, promoting entrepreneurship, and improving infrastructure, African nations can unlock their economic potential and create opportunities for their citizens. Regional cooperation and integration can also play a significant role in boosting economic growth. 

By collaborating, African countries can leverage their collective resources and market size to attract investment, improve trade relations, and address common challenges. Africa’s poverty is not an insurmountable challenge but a complex issue that requires decisive action and commitment from both leaders and citizens. 

The continent’s leadership must prioritize the welfare of their people, address corruption, and implement effective policies for sustainable development. The international community must support these efforts by assisting in the recovery of stolen assets and promoting fair trade practices. As Olusegun Obasanjo aptly stated, Africa’s poverty is not an act of God but a result of human actions and failures. 

To break free from the cycle of poverty, Africa must confront its leadership challenges, build strong democratic institutions, and pursue economic growth with determination and vision. The path to a brighter future lies in addressing the true drivers of poverty and taking concrete steps to overcome them. Through collective effort and unwavering commitment, Africa can achieve lasting progress and prosperity.