Can Africa’s Gen Z break tribal lines and build a united economic superpower?

Dear critical reader, as the world's most influential and powerful individuals meet at Davos this year for the World Economic Forum, one's prayer is that somehow, miraculously, within their lifetimes, Africa's GenZeyers will end the curse of tribalism that has stunted the development of the continent as a single prosperous Leviathan, a global power and force for good.

This Africa can confidently tell the world, "Hands off Africa - a continent that's our own sphere of influence, peopled by a peace-loving people whose worldview and outlook are anchored by the philosophy of Ubuntu. Ubuntu has blessed us with an innate sense of community, making us a very special race, welcoming of all foreigners regardless of their race and faith."

That Africa would not export raw materials under any circumstances. Instead, it will leverage its abundant natural resources in vertically integrated manufacturing hubs across all sectors of its economy.

It will become the world's foremost dark robotic factories powerhouse in the AI-era, non-aligned and seen worldwide as a global force for good.

With Africa's population projected to reach 1.55 billion by 2025, and GenZers making up 119 million young consumers, the continent's retail market is poised for growth. GenZ's focus on quality, global brands, and hybrid shopping behavior will drive this expansion.

The African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) is expected to boost Africa's economic growth, with the continent's GDP projected to increase by 1.2% by 2045, according to the African Development Bank (AfDB).

Intra-African trade is expected to increase by 45% by 2045, with 90% of tariffs liberalized over a 10-year period, as outlined in the AfDB's 2025 report on AfCFTA.

However, tribalism has hindered development, fueling conflicts in Eastern DR Congo, Sudan, and South Sudan.

In Eastern DR Congo, ethnic tensions have led to decades of violence, displacing millions and crippling economic progress. Sudan and South Sudan's struggles with tribal divisions have contributed to prolonged conflicts, undermining stability and economic growth.

With Africa's economic growth projected to rebound to 3.9% in 2025 and 4.1% in 2026, as per AfDB's latest economic outlook, inclusive governance and economic empowerment are crucial.

The AfCFTA is expected to lift 30 million people out of extreme poverty by 2035, with the digital economy being a significant growth area, according to AfDB's 2025 report on sustainable development.

Amen!

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