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Why Isn't Africa Growing?

I often like to ask random questions and I haven't been able to get this out of my head. For a continent that has so many resources, why isn't Africa prospering?

By General NoobPublished 6 years ago 3 min read
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Source: http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-EctNnH359YQ/UnQAXF3chiI/AAAAAAAAGik/YQG8YyOr3M8/s1600/streetartnews_c215_senegal-2.jpg

A few months back when I heard about the genocide in South Africa, I was furious. Now I truly don't know much about African countries, but I didn't understand why a country and their government would be okay with openly condoning genocide. I've never known much outside of the stereotypes and hungry children commercials, but this has made me question a lot. Why is it that African countries aren't succeeding? Well, I decided it was time to for me to do a little research. Today, I am going to discuss how education, HIV, and government corruption are holding African countries back.

When you look into any striving community, usually education is at its backbone.A survey found that 80% of 3rd graders in Sokoto couldn't read one word. Only 47% of eligible children were enrolled in 1st grade level schooling. Around 37 million children in Mali, Niger, and Burkina Faso weren't enrolled in schools at all. Over 60% of 15-17-year-olds aren't in school. About 23% of girls aren't in school compared to 19% of boys. During adolescent years, 36% of girls and 32% of boys aren't in schools. In sub-Saharan Africa, there's a problem with teacher shortages, not enough textbooks, and multiple grade levels in one classroom. "... you’ll typically find more than 50 students crammed into a class. Just a few will have textbooks. If the teacher is there, and they are often absent, the children will be on the receiving end of a monotone recitation geared towards rote learning." Even when in school, children aren't really learning. With such a poor education system, students aren't very capable at helping further their country's economy or businesses. This will only lead to those students to go on to live in poverty.

East and Southern Africa house the largest population of people living with HIV. This is where 43% of people with HIV reside, despite only being 6.2% of the global population. Twice as many women, 4,500 per week, are infected compared to their male counterparts, and 77,000 children were infected, as of 2016. Young women are at a greater risk, because of marrying habits. Young women tend to marry much older men. Child brides may be forced into sexual intercourse, which wouldn't allow them to have any say in the practice, such as if she wants to take cautionary measures, thus putting them at risk of HIV infections. Sex workers usually aren't able to have access to condoms and, if they do, police regularly use the condoms as a way to criminalize them. Information about treatment and precautionary measures are growing in these areas. About 76% of HIV positive people are aware of their status. HIV infection has decreased slightly over the years, but still remains a large problem in some African countries.

African governments are filled with corruption. In a 2015 poll, 58% of Africans said the corruption has increased in one year, and 18/28 countries say the government is fighting the corruption poorly. Police were ranked as the #1 corrupt then business executives. In 2015, 27-28% of people that came in contact with the courts or police reported having to pay a bribe. Poor people are twice as likely as the rich to have to pay bribes. In Kenya and Nigeria, 37% and 43% reported having to pay bribes and 83% of South Africans reported paying bribes. Transparency International Chair José Ugaz says,“Corruption creates and increases poverty and exclusion. While corrupt individuals with political power enjoy a lavish life, millions of Africans are deprived of their basic needs like food, health, education, housing, access to clean water, and sanitation.” In 2002, a study found that the corruption cost $150 million per year. Politicians rely more on rigging and buying votes than gaining support.Some African countries have developed anti-corruption agencies that have helped them grow bit by bit, others haven't been as successful. One economist believes that if these governments cut off foreign aid, this will help create a better relationship between the state and people.

Just covering three topics, I've begun scratching the surface of issues that hold back African countries. The lack of education opportunities harm citizens and can force them into even worse poverty. HIV is rampant in African countries and there are many restrictions on bettering the lives of those not yet infected. The corruption in the government can absolutely destroy different countries and prohibit cultural growth. I truly think there are some beautiful aspects to the African culture. Hopefully, promoting awareness of just a few of these issues might be able to help people find a starting point in creating growth.

Please keep in mind that I came to my conclusions based on the information I found. Thank you for reading!

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About the Creator

General Noob

I enjoy researching about different cultures, history, politics, anything and everything. I just enjoy questioning everything. I love playing devil's advocate. I enjoy creating positivity out of everything.

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