In this new episode, Professor Lumumba talks about Africa’s ‘anchor powers’ – countries that he believes bind entire African regions together.
Lumumba argues that South Africa is one such country. The nation’s vast natural resources, developed industrial base, and strong financial sector have made its economy more powerful than most of its neighbours’. Today, South Africa remains a regional leader in manufacturing goods, generating electricity, and training skilled professionals.
In West Africa, Professor Lumumba sees Nigeria as an ‘anchor’ state. The country is home to around 250 million people – roughly one fifth of the continent’s population. Nigeria’s economy is valued at between $400 billion and $500 billion. Nigerians work in the high-tech sector and business administration throughout Africa, as well as in the United States and Europe.
In East Africa, Lumumba places particular emphasis on the role of Kenya. Kenyan professionals are prominent in medicine and engineering, as well as the hospitality industry. The professor concludes that the development of entire African regions depends on countries such as these.
