By Samantha Rockson

Not making light of the current caronavirus epidemic and mass fear that we are all currently experiencing, especially those at the very top of the economic pyramid that are at risk of their wealth and investments significantly plummeting; being a positive psychologist automatically magnetises me toward seeking and aiming to focus on the positive aspects and opportunities that the beyond the coronavirus presents.

In 2013 I wrote an article called ‘Quantum Leap for Business Operations’ whereby I discussed sustainability in regard to the changes in how businesses operate. I am inclined to believe that beyond the coronavirus presents another quantum leap in which points to Africa.

China has always been the leading go to marketplace for global investors within the manufacturing and production industries. I myself visited china in 2012 to support an Oil & Gas upstream initiative and was extremely inspired by the many potential business opportunities that China presented. As coronavirus emerged from China the efforts to manage the spread of the virus might cause China to be isolated from the rest of the world in terms of international trade, for a significant period, even if the epidemic is controlled and the rest of the world are able to somewhat begin to function as normal. In light of this it is highly likely that emerging Africa becomes a focus for international trade and development opportunities.

Africa as a nation has faced numerous challenges especially in regard to infrastructure and leadership. Fortunately Africa cannot be overlooked anymore especially the fact that Africa currently has the largest growing population of young people, almost 200million between the ages of 15 and 24. Further to this, these young people are now more educated and enterprising then they ever have been presenting diverse and innovative opportunities that can significantly empower the nation as well as the AfroGlobal markets in general.
Further support of this emerging AfroGlobal narrative is highlighted by the most recent UN population report that states that Africa’s population is expected to quantum leap to 1.5billion people significantly higher than the Chinese population in which is currently the highest.
As I mentioned in ‘The Future is AfroGlobal’ article; the AfroGlobal narrative is rapidly evolving and this evolution includes Africa and the global diaspora being the main driver of consumer consumption, fostering global investment and international economic growth. The narrative is also evolving to include an expanding community that is inclusive of us all.
There is light on the other side of coronavirus so sit tight and watch the expanding and evolving AfroGlobal community flourish.