The World is at Africa’s Feet, but can it take it?

“The 21st Century is often described as the Asian Century. India wishes to see the 21st Century as the century of Asia and Africa, with the people of the two continent working together to promote inclusive globalization.” - Indian Prime Minister Manmohan Singh, welcoming African leaders to the first Indian-African Summit, April 8, 2008.

One fact that has been established is the inability of respective governments in Africa to single-handedly develop and maintain their infrastructure. In fact, there is no nation in the world that can do this successfully. And this is why African nations need to liberalize and tap into the potentials of the private sector - starting with India.

As African leaders smooch in India at the first ever Africa-India Summit, it has become even clearer the value of the continent in global market and international relations. Unfortunately the bulk of the African political class has yet to see and appreciate this, and not ready to bend down and ‘take the world’.

In fact, the reverse has been the case.

Aside for those African nations afflicted with Organization of Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC), the continent has little or no say in the global market despite the huge natural resources it commands. African nations in OPEC have been able to tap into the organization’s principal goal and have safeguarded their interest.

However, being part of trade organizations is no silver bullet. While OPEC has done well for its African member nations, not all have been able to transform the oil revenues into visible and viable projects. A perfect example is Nigeria – the seventh largest oil producer in the world can not generate enough electricity to power its industries; other that haven’t shut down depend on diesel generators!

Even with its failures, African nations still have within their reach the ability to discard the stigma of a dark continent of conflicts, disease and political rascality. The world is at Africa’s feet, and it can take it!

The key lies in building its antiquated and crumpling infrastructure – most importantly its transportation network, electricity, educational and health care systems.

As Africa continues to implement political reforms and grasp the meaning the democracy, it has become necessary to seek feasible and sustainable development strategies for its infrastructure.

This is what makes events like the Indian-African summit (and the 2006 Africa-China summit) are crucial.

India has one of the most educated work force today,and while it has yet to supply uninterrupted electricity nationwide, India is among the top-ten destination for U.S out-sourced jobs.

In January, Tata Group, Indian number one automobile maker, unveiled “Nano” the world cheapest car ($2500 USD) . Last month, Tata announced it has acquired the Jaguar and the Land Rover luxury auto-brands for £1 billion (about $2 billion).

Despite sharing similar socioeconomic indicators with most African nations, India has perfected the act of medical tourism - now Americans and many westerners are flying in for cheaper medical procedures.

Beyond just debating trade-related topics, are African leaders exploring investments in its infrastructure - through public-private partnerships? Until this is done, Africa will remain nothing but one colossal mine field waiting to be abandoned once its resources are depleted.