Growth Narratives

Today, the situation is different, as the continent continues to present impressive growth records. While the sustainability and the developmental impacts of growth may be debated the same cannot be said about the absence of growth on the continent. Between 2000 and 2014, annual GDP growth in Africa has been 4.6 per cent on average (UNCTAD STAT, 2015). Democracy and good governance manifested by routine free, fair and transparent elections which have dominated the political landscapes of the continent with less and less records of violent conflicts experienced during the immediate post independent period. It is reported that between 2002 and 2011, Africa’s share of worldwide violent conflict dropped from 55 per cent to 24 per cent (Africa Progress Panel, 2012).

There is growth in business confidence reflected in the growth of foreign direct investment in economies of Africa as countries continue to liberalize their trade and investment policies. Africa is also taking a share of the technology and digital revolution observed from the increased availability of cellular phones and other information and communication technology (ICT) devices. The access and use of the devices have increased the participation of ordinary citizens in social and political issues on the continent. This impressive record has earned the continent the accolade of the “New Rising Star”, “Africa Rising” and “Multispeed Africa”.