The
world’s second largest and second most populous continent with wonderful people
and great countries endowed with rich history and heritage. This is Africa!
We
are blessed with great resources and all it takes to impact the world and of
course Africa is right up there when it comes to the shakers and movers of this
world. However, there is often a grave misconception about Africa. A lot of
people associate this great continent with wars, poverty and many negative
attributes. A few others also exaggerate the success and potential of Africa.
In both cases, the real picture is never painted about us. Jumia Travel,
Africa’s leading online hotel booking website attempts to clarify this and
create the real picture about Africa. Africa is just Africa.
Achievers
- Indeed, the misconception about the impact and contribution of Africans to
global development
is often considered over the actual achievements of many great African
personalities. We are blessed to have several world icons who have worked
selflessly to impact the world through charity, leadership, sports, education,
health, industry, religion and commerce.
A
few high profile names include The late Nelson Mandela, Kofi Annan, Desmond
Tutu, Haile Selassie,
Abedi Pele, George Weah and Haile Gebrselassie
who made diverse impacts on the world in humanitarianism, sports and politics.
Rich
in natural resources - When we talk about richness in
natural resources, Africa ranks right up there. With countries such as Ghana,
Ivory coast and South Africa contributing gold and Cocoa as well as several
minerals to the global stock exchange. Countries like Kenya and Tanzania are
also very beautiful and have amazing tourist attractions.
Hard
working and friendly yet highly industrious people - We
are happy people. African’s are very friendly and welcoming. Most Africans are
peaceful. Many outsiders usually are misguided by the notion that Africa is
full of conflicts and wars. However, although some parts of Africa are hit with
wars and crime, the continent is generally very peaceful with friendly and very
accommodating people. The vast majority of Africans are also very hardworking
and industrious.
Efficiency
is a key element of an African’s DNA.
Rapid
growth and business development - When many businesses want
to expand across various continents, they often begin with Africa. This is
because Africa provides a very fertile ground for rapid business growth and
development. Many foreign businesses have succeeded in Africa because of the
atmosphere, culture and resources of this great continent. The opportunities to
expand and achieve are endless.
Now
let’s take a look at some of the not so good sides of this continent.
Sustainability
and Maintenance culture on the low - If there
is a continent where businesses
can collapse or fold up as quickly as they rise, that is Africa. Despite the
many resources which this continent is blessed with, Africa is plagued with a
very bad maintenance culture. Sustainability is not our most cherishable asset
and we often struggle to keep facilities and services running for the long
term. These days however, trends are changing and many strategic plans are
being put in place to ensure that sustainability and maintenance is treated
with decorum.
Corruption
and Voodoo - It is often quite hilarious when Africa is
tagged with corruption. The key question is, where in the world is there no
corruption? In almost every corner of the world, corruption exists. The only
difference is how publicized it is in Africa. While corruption in other
parts of the world is covered, in Africa, it
is made so public. The same applies to voodoo popularly known as ‘’Black
Magic’’. Many different tribes in the world believe in different things and
have different practices which may be considered a bit scary or evil. However,
once the practice or belief doesn’t harm any other person, it is deemed okay.
The only problem here is, in Africa voodoo or ’’black magic’’ is touted as evil
and unacceptable which mars the general beauty and outside value of this
continent.
With
all the above mentioned facts and more, one can confidently conclude that
Africa is what it is. We have great room for improvement but it is highly
imperative that anyone who lives outside the shores of this continent
should have no expectations and no disappointments about Africa.
Africa is just what it is. Expecting too much often gets us disappointed and
underestimating the power of Africa is also detrimental. A balance must
therefore be reached when talking about Africa. It is a very unique and blessed
continent.
Credit : JumiaTravel
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