African nations face a number of challenges that limit their potential for growth. These must be dealt with before meaningful change is possible.
Endemic corruption dramatically increases the cost of doing business for new companies without adding any real value. Training programs and other post-primary educational options aren’t robust enough to adequately prepare the population for skilled positions. Investment capital is hard to come by, limiting the ability for fledgling businesses to scale. Even basic infrastructure, including ample energy supplies, are often inadequate to support the needs of advanced technologies.
These are the areas where international cooperation can make the biggest difference. Partnerships between governments and the private sector, as well as pressure from outside investors, have the potential to unlock Africa’s potential.
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