The way to change your thoughts is to change your perspective. Catalysts within respective trades, including economist Dr. Nthabiseng Moleko; Professor Richard Calland Public Law, UCT; Tshegofatso Motaung, District Learning; Zama Khanyile, Divisional Executive and Adrian Basson, CEO of Hungry Lion, reimagined Africa's status and whether it is sufficient, both present and future, for the impending African continent at the Perspectives on African Frontiers workshop. Even with its wealth, resources and skills, Africa remains at less than 3% of the global economic output. Despite the clouded view caused by historic civil wars, diseases, limited economic activity and a desire for growth, there is still a glimpse of hope.

The pivotable questions require scrutiny of how many glasses are present to measure the highlighting African complexities, disruption and opportunities. With Africa’s trade offer as a shining glass holder due to amassing raw materials and minerals, trade power becomes a crucial factor for the combat of resources. The misfortune, influenced by geopolitical instability across regions, premature deindustrialization and impaired infrastructure, Africa can be perceived as a dire expression of the need for economic stimulation.

Zama Khanyile views the future of the continent as “half full with the potential to overflow”. Africa is a viable rhino holding relevance with international platforms. The key ingredient lies in the cohesion and trust between government and the private sector. As the panel outlined, the private sector can benefit from unification to become one of the agents of change. Action from the private sector and people movement have a possibility to equal a favourable African perspective for growth.

Adrian Basson illustrated that the “government needs to be a referee on the field, rather than a player”, further expanding the need for affordable finance for the citizens of Africa.

Through the complexities, and as highlighted by Professor Richard Calland, “we are cautiously optimistic. With system pressures, emergence is bound to happen”. If the right actors exert responsible leadership and demonstrate resilience, driven by a pioneered plan and shared vision, optimism may be reflected. Tshegofatso Motaung further shaped the narrative by saying, “Freedom for the sake of freedom does not serve any good, hence the need for a clear vision”. Coupled with collaboration and community participation lies the possibility of kneading the gap between reality and expectation.

Team 6 - Members: