Africa Was Never Poor It Was Only Divided

Africa was never poor; it was only divided. This powerful statement reframes the narrative that has long been imposed on the continent. For decades, Africa has been described through a lens of poverty, conflict, and dependency. However, this portrayal ignores the continent’s immense natural, cultural, and human wealth. Africa is home to a vast array of resources from oil, gold, and diamonds to fertile lands and massive renewable energy potential. Its youthful population is the youngest and fastest-growing in the world, representing not a burden, but the greatest opportunity for growth and innovation.

The idea of African poverty is largely a myth reinforced by colonial and postcolonial structures that benefited from division. During colonization, artificial borders were drawn, splitting ethnic groups, communities, and resources across new “countries” without regard for indigenous connections. After independence, many African leaders continued to operate within these fractured systems, prioritizing national interest over continental unity. Ethnic, religious, and linguistic differences were politicized, creating mistrust among people who, in truth, had coexisted for centuries. As a result, unity became elusive, and the continent remained fragmented and vulnerable to exploitation.

Africa’s diversity is often portrayed as a challenge, but in reality, it is a powerful asset. Each ethnic group, language, and tradition holds a key to innovation, resilience, and identity. When harnessed through unity and collaboration, this diversity can lead to unmatched strength. The problem is not diversity, but disunity. Division has allowed foreign interests to exploit Africa’s resources cheaply, pit nations against each other, and prevent large-scale economic or political solidarity.

In this context, the role of the African youth becomes critical. Today’s young people are more educated, more connected through technology, and more aware of the global dynamics than any generation before them. They are increasingly rejecting the politics of division and recognizing their shared destiny. They understand that for Africa to thrive, it must rise together. Young people are building businesses that cross borders, using digital tools to connect and collaborate, and creating art, music, and literature that inspire unity and pride in African identity.

Africa’s path to greatness lies not in aid from the West or borrowed economic models, but in continental solidarity. If African nations united their markets, harmonized their policies, and spoke with one voice in global affairs, they would no longer be seen as weak. Instead, they would be respected as a powerful block with unmatched potential. A united Africa could develop its own technologies, manufacture its own goods, and feed its own people. It could trade internally, keep wealth circulating within the continent, and negotiate globally from a position of strength.

To change Africa’s story, we must first change our mindset. We must reject the lie of poverty and embrace the truth of abundance. We must teach our children that being African is not a disadvantage, but a source of pride and power. We must build systems that encourage cooperation, not competition, among our nations. We must celebrate our differences while striving toward a common goal: the complete liberation and renaissance of Africa.

The message is clear, Africa was never poor. It was divided by history, weakened by borders, and blinded by borrowed ideologies. But the time for awakening is now. When Africa unites, it will not only rise it will lead.

Rabee'u Garba Ruwan Godia