As Africa enters into the trajectory of united development its people are very clear on the future they want. Nevertheless, there are challenges to be overcome. First and foremost is the need to realize that it is we, the African people, who can bring about the desired future. The global scenario as it prevails today is such that every nation gives priority to its own national and regional preoccupation. Therefore, Africa cannot expect her problems and concerns to be given priority by nations outside the continent.

The continent needs to inculcate the culture of peace, all inclusiveness and tolerance. It needs to strengthen institutions that underpin respect of human rights.  The Africa which is vibrant shall be the Africa where there is rule of law, where people can decide how they are governed, by whom and for how long. It shall be the Africa where market systems are not distorted; Africans are wary of alien onslaughts and technology is embraced.

How do we, therefore, overcome such anomaly of having the richest continent with the poorest people? Indeed, it cannot be denied that there are deficiencies that are self made; and others that are beyond our control. While we strive for an open international system and a just economic order, we must also look inwards to see how resources are used to serve our people as a whole, rather than to serve individuals, through corruption and mismanagement, and how we develop human capital.

Looking inwards is the subject of this issue.