Over the past several decades, the African continent has witnessed a proliferation of policies, strategies, and frameworks designed to address its multifaceted development challenges. From poverty alleviation and economic diversification to peacebuilding and democratic governance, countless blueprints have been articulated by African governments, regional bodies like the African Union (AU), and international partners. Yet, the continent continues to struggle with persistent structural challenges. The recurring paradox is that despite often accurate diagnoses of Africa’s challenges and the formulation of arguably sound policy prescriptions, Africa continues to fall short in achieving intended outcomes.

Martin Meredith’s The Fortunes of Africa offers a sweeping, richly detailed narrative of the continent’s economic and political history spanning five millennia. Beginning with ancient Egypt’s riches and the Roman grain trade, Meredith traces the waves of conquest—Arab, European, and colonial—drawn by Africa’s abundant resources: gold, ivory, slaves, oil, diamonds, and rare-earth minerals . He charted the rise and fall of powerful kingdoms; the spread of Christianity and Islam; the violent incursions by explorers, missionaries, and imperial powers; and the enduring struggle over land and exploitation in modern times .

Through a diverse cast—Mansa Musa (possibly history’s richest man), Roman emperors, mining magnates, warlords, and dictators—Meredith illustrates how external greed and internal corruption have consistently hindered African prosperity . He culminates his epic chronicle with an assessment of post-independence Africa: a continent emerging from the "lost decades" of misrule and conflict, yet still wrestling with colonial legacies and the promise (and perils) of the future .

The article Debout Congolais ! Debout maintenant (June 30, 2022) reflects on the Democratic Republic of Congo’s 62 years of independence, stressing that the nation can no longer rely on excuses or blame external causes for its struggles. It calls for deep personal and national accountability, urging Congolese people to embrace responsibility, define a clear vision, invest in education and skills, and commit to serious, excellent work as the only path to building a prosperous and respected nation. Highlighting the resilience of the Congolese people despite decades of hardship, the author insists that this generation has the duty and opportunity to transform the country into one “plus beau qu’avant” and leave a worthy legacy for future generations. [The Article in French]

Leadership and Crisis: What the COVID-19 pandemic has revealed argues that true leadership is tested in times of crisis, not in times of stability, just as learning to ride a bicycle is only real once the support is removed. The COVID-19 pandemic exposed major weaknesses in political leadership, showing how delays, denial, political opportunism, and blame-shifting cost lives and destabilised economies. Crises reveal character, forcing leaders to make decisive choices with far-reaching consequences, while also exposing their motives and limitations. I note that real leadership often emerges from unexpected places, and I praise medical personnel for their courage and sacrifice during the pandemic and suggest that in times of great challenge, leadership should be entrusted to those with the expertise and commitment to act for the common good.

The COVID-19 pandemic exposed both human fragility and resilience. I argue that life and survival are our most precious assets, and that crises reveal these priorities more clearly. I make a call for humility, solidarity, and a commitment to valuing every life so that all can contribute to humanity’s shared story