For the purpose of this presentation, I am focusing on subSaharan Africa, and thus not speaking of North Africa or Egypt. Africa continues to suffer from poor leadership. In many countries there are entrenched leaders, military dictators, or the dangers of military coups. While the desire for democracy suited for Africa is great, the reality is not so present. Decline rather than growth is characteristic.
International debt robs the children of Africa of their future.
The birth rate remains very high, the highest in the world, and at the same time, the epidemic of AIDS ravages the population and leaves homes and villages without parents. In Zambia over the past ten years, life expectancy dropped from 52 to 42 years of age. Modem technology and communications deeply influence Africa. TV presents the western world and its progress and problems to African households, but much of what is seen, such as the material progress, is beyond the reach of most Africans. Ethnic rivalry, tension, and conflict remain present.