The general view of Africa is that it is war-torn and poverty stricken. This is actually far from true. However, with that said, Africa is the poorest continent in the world and 490 million Africans live on less than 1.90 USD a day. But will that always be the case? Could Africa rise to global dominance? If fortunes change, could there ever be a time when Africa really rules the world?
It is highly unlikely that Africa will ever rule the world. Although some African countries are likely to build global influence in the coming decades, significant challenges and the enormous progress needed to overtake other major world powers means Africa as a continent is unlikely to become globally dominant.
So, we are almost sure Africa is not rule over the world one day, but the answer isn’t as simple as that. Let’s dig a bit deeper…
Why Africa Is Unlikely To Rule The World
Before we explore in more detail the main reasons why Africa is unlikely to rule over the world, we need define what we mean by ‘rule the world’.
The term ‘rule the world’ implies total control of the globe with the ability to dictate what occurs in all countries. In fact, in relation to Africa, or any other region, when we say ‘ruling the world’ we’re really talking about global dominance. This means having a significant influence on global politics, affairs and culture, as opposed to actually directly controlling the world. Therefore, going forward we’re using this interpretation of ‘ruling the world’.
So, with that out of the way, let’s look at the main reasons why Africa is unlikely to gain dominance over the world and what major factors make African countries pulling far ahead of other nations improbable. These include:
- Current lack of development
- Unevenness of Africa’s development
- Africa’s ongoing challenges
- Improbability of a single dominant region globally
Now, let’s take a quick look at each of these…
Current Lack of Development
The first reason why Africa is unlikely to become globally dominant is that it is currently so far behind.
In order to rule the world, African countries would have pull ahead of other major nations and regions. Currently Africa is the poorest continent in the world, so progressing to become equal to major international players like the US, UK, EU and China is unlikely. Over-taking and reaching a state of dominance over countries and region like these is pretty far-fetched.
Unevenness of Africa’s Development
A second reason why Africa is not going to rule the world is because development in Africa is highly uneven.
Some countries on the continent, such as Nigeria, Kenya and Botswana, are developing fast and are likely to become major international players in the coming years. However, for Africa as a continent to become globally dominant there needs to be enormous progress across the board. African countries such as Burundi, Somalia and South Sudan are some of the poorest in the world. The chances of countries like these developing enough for Africa as a whole to have global power are very low.
Africa’s Ongoing Challenges
Another reason why it is improbable that Africa is going to gain huge global power, especially over other continents, is because there are major challenges that need to be overcome.
Many African countries are held back by conflict, corruption, poor governance, bad infrastructure, weak healthcare systems and a lack of widespread quality education. All of these issues need to be addressed if Africa is to become globally dominant. Although progress is being made in some countries, for the whole continent to overcome these major challenges is unlikely
Improbability of a Single Dominant Region Globally
A final reason why Africa is not going to rule the world is because in the modern globalised world, it is unlikely any country, continent or region will become globally dominant.
As the world becomes ever more interconnected, major world powers need strong international trade, finances, business links and military alliances to thrive. As a result, no one single place can take control over the entire world. More likely, a series of major power regions will emerge. The US, EU and China are already seen as globally dominant. It is likely that Africa can join them. However, it is improbable that Africa will overtake them and rule the world.
How Could Africa Achieve Global Dominance?
Although it is unlikely Africa will rule the world, the future is unpredictable. Let’s take a quick look at how Africa, or certain countries on the continent, could come to dominate the world, even if it’s improbable.
For Africa to achieve global dominance it would need to become incredibly wealth and develop significant manufacturing industries focusing on exporting and trade. Africa would also need to become a world leader in technology and innovation and become a major military power.
Let’s expand on this a bit…
In order for Africa to rule the world, it would need to become incredibly wealthy.
If African countries were to be more powerful that the US, Russia, China, or the EU – current global forces, they would need to become significantly richer. This could be done by using Africa’s huge mineral wealth, or through developing dynamic and developed economies. If all of Africa became highly developed, it would play a major role in global affairs.
Another way that Africa could become so powerful it could essentially rule the world would be to become an trade and exporting powerhouse. This is basically what China has done.
By becoming the centre of world manufacturing and trade, African countries could drive the global economy. This would create enormous wealth on the continent and also ensure African countries have huge global influence.
If African countries could become forefronts of new technologies, it could make them globally dominant.
In the modern world, technology and innovation are vital to retaining influence around the world. Africa could essentially rule the world if it could develop technologies that far surpassed that of other countries or regions.
A further way that Africa could rule the world is if it became an international military force.
A main way that countries project power is through their armed forces. If African countries developed high-tech and well-equipped armies, and recruited enormous numbers of troops, they could become major players on the world stage. If the combined armies of Africa could overtake some of the most powerful militaries in the world, the continent could become globally dominant.
A final way that African countries could essentially take over the world would be to become a true global hub.
If Africa could become the best place for business, education, healthcare, technology and culture, then the world would flock to African countries to engage in these areas. By leading the world in key economic areas, African countries could essentially dictate global affairs.
Which African Countries Are Likely To Become Global Powers?
It is almost certain that Africa will not one day rule the world. The continent is likely to develop in the coming decades, but the chances it will overtake other major global powers to achieve a place of worldwide domination is highly improbable. With that said, there are countries in Africa that are likely to become major world players in the coming decades. These include:
- Nigeria
- Kenya
- South Africa
- Egypt
- Democratic Republic of Congo
Let’s take a quick look at some…
Nigeria
Nigeria is the largest economy is Africa. With 206 million people, it is also the most populous country on the continent. Blessed with enormous amounts of natural resources, Nigeria is fast becoming a powerhouse not only in West Africa, but globally. Issues such as corruption, the conflict against Boko Haram in the north and a chronically inefficient government need to be overcome. But if they can, Nigeria could soon be a dominate global force.
Kenya
Kenya is the largest economy in East Africa and major part of the East African Federation. In 2014, Kenya was declared a middle-income country. With a fast-growing economy and young population, Kenya is on track to become a major global power. It is unlikely Kenya will ever rule the world, but if it continues to develop it will hold major influence on the world stage .
South Africa
South Africa has been an important country globally for several decades. For many years the largest economy Africa, South Africa only fell behind Nigeria in recent years. A major exporter and tourist destination, South Africa has developed one of the most advanced economies in Africa. However, issues of race and inequality remain unaddressed and parts of the country face major water shortages in the coming decades. If these challenges can be met, then South Africa could be on the path to being a significant world player.
Egypt
Another major power in Africa is Egypt. With an enormousness population and an average age of only 26, Egypt has the potential to be an economic powerhouse. The country also has a large and well-equipped military that is able to project its power abroad. Issues of poor governance and poverty hold the country back, but if a more inclusive and efficient economy could be developed in Egypt, it could dominate Africa and much of the Middle East. This would make it essentially the ruler of a large part of the world.
Democratic Republic of Congo
A final option for an African country that really could rule of the world is the Democratic Republic of Congo. As the richest country in the world in-terms of natural resources, the Congo could project enormous global power if it harnessed its mineral wealth. Sadly, extreme poverty, conflict and terrible governance mean the Congo is one of the poorest countries in the world. However, if its major challenges could be overcome, the Congo is perhaps the top contender for an African country that could rule the world.