Africa’s stand during the third Arab-African Summit in Kuwait is commendable. The continent attended the forum with a number of positive traits: it had the confidence that it is an equal partner in negotiations; it has value in terms of resources to offer; it is keen on investments in the continent rather than foreign aid; and it must have a say on priority areas where investments should be channeled.

Self-confidence is a must if Africa is to make progress. Lack of confidence compromises wealth creation, limits risk-taking and makes Africa negotiate from an inferior position. While the continent embarks on creating incentives for foreign investors, it must not neglect its local investors and innovators. Focus on external investment only may not necessarily create a critical mass of consumers needed to spur economic growth.

The key to economic prosperity in Africa is certainly the African people. Left free to solve their own problems, free to choose solutions on their own, Africans will definitely turn poverty into opportunity. Africa however needs to improve on its physical and legal infrastructure with view to facilitating both an increase in production and consumption. The productive manufacturing, agricultural and service industries critical to economic development must certainly be supported.