Discourse on Africa’s Development is an attempt to give some reflections on Africa’s relatively poor developmental situation. Many writers and commentators on Africa’s developmental issues focus more on the problems that confront the continent which in this write up refers to Diagnosis instead of coming out creatively with some solutions to the developmental crisis which is Prognosis. Hence my choice of words in the topic of this article, Discourse on Africa’s Development: Moving from Diagnosis to Prognosis.
The fact that Africa has been greatly blessed is undeniable. I agree with Darrow L. Miller’s observation that Africa’s abundant natural resources make her the wealthiest of the World’s seven continents. Religiously, Africa played a pivotal role in the growth of the Judeo-Christian faith. In terms of human resource, the wealth of Africa lies in the fact that they are created in the Image of God. The rich culture of Africans can be seen all over the world. Moreover, the irreversible increase and influence of the Church in Africa with particular reference to African Pentecostalism and Charismatism serve as a sign of Africa’s blessings as a continent.
The paradox that haunts the minds of all well-meaning Africans is that despite these countless blessings and riches, Africa remains undeniably the most poverty-stricken and broken continent. A look at the contemporary history of development reveals that there are signs of development in all the continents that were relatively poor with the exception of Africa. Asian countries such as Malaysia, Thailand, Taiwan and Singapore are today in favourable transition to a more healthy economic conditions. How is it that Africa continues to suffer? I do not subscribe to the ideology that Africa is under curse. Neither should Africa be described as a dark hole, which means they always receive aid but remain as they are without making any wise use of the aid for development.
In my opinion, Africa stand a greater chance of development and transformation when the mindset of the people are renewed. This is a way of saying that there should be a call for significant change in the worldview of Africans when there is a discourse on Africa’s development. Thus for a balanced development of the African continent, there should be a promotion of the worldview that is based on the biblical concepts of development. A worldview that should see creation and for that matter the environment, people, work, time as God sees them. This balanced worldview should therefore be taught in schools, colleges and universities, in the media and above all in the church as agents of national development. Christians and for that matter the Church in Africa should see Jesus as not only the Lord and Saviour of their lives, but also as the King of their nations and universe as a whole. This mindset should serve as the basic prognosis to Africa’s development.
This article serves as an opening discourse on the topic under consideration: Discourse on Africa’s Development: Moving from Diagnosis to Prognoses. Readers, Scholars, Christian Leaders and Balanced und unbiased Politicians are called upon to join me in the discussion. The rational is that, since ideas rule and make a great nation, your creative contribution to this discussion may serve as a great way of impacting your generation.
For your contribution, address it to the following e-mail for the publication on this website:
Amazing grace Baptist Church, Hamburg 