The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) has emphasized the urgent need for Africa to highlight its achievements and positive developments. Speaking at the ongoing 2024 African Economic Conference (AEC) in Gaborone, Botswana, Ahunna Eziakonwa, Director of the UNDP’s Regional Bureau for Africa, argued that the continent must counter persistent negative stereotypes by promoting its numerous success stories.
Eziakonwa noted that Africa has often been depicted through a negative lens, focusing on poverty, conflict, and underdevelopment. However, she highlighted that there are many examples of progress and innovation across the continent, from technological advancements to successful economic reforms. Eziakonwa stressed that it’s crucial for Africans to take control of the narrative, showcasing achievements in governance, entrepreneurship, and sustainable development.
During a fireside chat on the theme “Global Geopolitical Complexities and Africa’s Development Pathway,” Eziakonwa called on African leaders, media, and institutions to actively share positive stories. She cited recent strides in sectors like digital innovation, renewable energy, and agricultural productivity as examples of how the continent is shaping its own future.
The conference, which gathers policymakers, economists, and development experts, aims to discuss pathways for Africa’s economic growth amid global uncertainties. Eziakonwa’s remarks resonated with many participants, underscoring the importance of self-representation and narrative control for the continent's future development.
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