Africa has grown over the years and is a continent that will develop extensively shortly given the brains it carries. Africa is commonly known as the cradle of humanity. Therefore, it has been sort after by many researchers to dig deeper into it and understand the theories concerning its development and unique characteristics as a "Dark Continent." With the 54 countries in it, Africa is still growing since most states are way on the development scale. Its states are considered third world countries given the low level of development and sustainability in most of them. Most often than not, this continent has over the years housed many European nations who have seen it as a potentially ripe continent for industrialization ("Africa: a continent for the third millennium," 2001). Many developed countries have thus established their member companies and industries in Africa, and they are doing very well. This is a continent with potential resources that make it both an envy and opportunity for many. Most western countries have therefore set foot on this continent and have witnessed their businesses thrive due to the potentials it carries ("Africa: a continent for the third millennium," 2001).
African countries have diverse cultures, business environments, legally binding laws, political climate, growth, and global brand in the business world. Most countries have adopted the global perspective of doing business regardless of their regulations, and they are quickly developing and becoming global brands through the services and products they offer. Most minerals, oil, flowers, food, professionals, etc. hail from Africa. As a continent that mothers many developing states, development is quite gradual but many countries like South Africa, Botswana, Rwanda just to mention a few, are remarkably growing. Such countries have changed gears and are in the business of exploiting their potential resources to develop and grow their economy. It is rapidly growing and looking at the elements mentioned above as foundations for the development of this continent is duly timed (Castle, n.d.).
The African culture is a brand of its own. It is known to attract many tourists to the continent given the uniqueness in every bit of the way of life of Africans. As a continent that has many states, culture varies, but nobody would miss the chance of enjoying the diversity in African culture. Even though the African culture has in the past been considered archaic and barbaric, a lot has changed, and culture is now used as a tool for economic empowerment and development. As a development strategy, the culture of African countries is exploited fully to promote Africa as a brand (Castle, n.d.). Most Canadian companies view the African culture as the driving force towards a diversified economy that does not necessarily depend on one typology of business to develop. The African culture of woodwork, artwork, tapestry, basketry, beading, etc. are potential exploits for the continent. They are not just tourism products for international countries but also leading products for home-based industries like the textile, manufacturing, and retailing companies.
Business requires great minds for it to grow and sell in the global market. Africa is a hub for many businesses, and many businesses have been established by the European countries like Canada to tap into the fertile African land to grow their businesses. Africa is a home to many enterprises that have grown to become very competitive in the global market. Many world organizations have their headquarters in Africa, e.g. United Nations, UNEP, WHO, etc. The availability of these teams shows the high confidence placed on Africa as a home for many developments (Ayee & Codesria, 2008). Industrial companies owned by multi-billion dollar entrepreneurs and mega companies are also in Africa. The many states in Africa provide room for many business opportunities. Great business people of Canadian, Japanese, Chinese, and American origin have established their businesses in different countries in Africa, they are revenue-generating prospects that have earned many states like Kenya, South Africa, Rwanda, etc. a name in the global environment.
The companies established in Africa have also created employment opportunities for many youths. The labor force is extensively utilized in Africa, and this has raised the GDP of many households, living standards, and even the life expectancy. With adequate employment opportunities provided by both domestic and international companies, Africa has recorded positive development trends, especially within the 20th and 21st century. Unlike the past when resources that were quite primarily African were exported for development in other developed countries, economic transitions have taken place. There are established trade laws that regulate the running of the business in Africa (Ayee & Codesria, 2008).
Most states are enlightened, they have brains behind the protection of their resources, and this has opened avenues for the establishment of many international companies in Africa to exploit the resources locally thus generate income for infrastructural, economic, social, and political development without leakages. Africa is thus becoming a competitive continent regarding business. Resources are vast in Africa, and the full exploitation of these products by both international and African countries has ranked the continent highly regarding development (Fall & Pivin, 2002). The over-dependence on foreign aid is reducing in most countries, e.g., South Africa. Africa has world-class business firms, infrastructures, and superstructures. Additionally, realistic business policies and culture, trained personnel who are development-oriented are some of the capacities Africa prides of as tools for its development.
The running of operations within the African countries are controlled by many legal rules. African countries have law making, implementing, and enforcing bodies. Their legislature is well structured, and they make their laws regarding social, economic, environmental, and political sectors. There are labor laws that regulate the financial sector. These laws are well revised to fit every country in Africa, even though they have roots in most European countries like the Canadian labor laws. The Executive arm of the government in Africa is also key to its legal developments (Horsthemke, 2015). Even though most often the administrative functions or culture that the African countries have registered over the years is sometimes questioned by international bodies, some countries are way ahead regarding the roles of the Executive. The judicial systems in African nations are equally striving to bring sanity into these states and execute laws to ensure law and order are maintained.
African countries have laws that have contributed to significant development in the continent. Most laws have outlawed primitive cultures, domestic violence, anti-social vices, etc. Africa is no longer a feared continent as most countries are member states of international bodies that champion for sobriety and liberalism in many aspects. Most African countries are members of and partners with international organizations like the UN, Amnesty International, The Hague Treaty, WHO, UNWTO, IATA, ICAO, etc. These bodies regulate and monitor many activities in different states to ensure the protection of both human and animal life. Africa is thus transitioning as a continent that values not just lives but its resources. Most states want their borders safe, their airlines secure and safe, social development, economic empowerment among others. The zeal and zest to make Africa great are thus at the heart of many African leaders as evidenced through the legal rules established within their systems (Develtere et al., 2008).
The political environment in Africa is also an area of keen interest in analyzing its development. Africa has come from far regarding political development. As a continent that was colonially ruled, establishing a regular political system was unprecedented. However, after gaining independence through long-term struggle, African states rose on their feet and politically, they started developing. African countries have their political systems that have governed them since their independence (World Bank, 2008). Citizens can democratically elect their leaders without force. The democratic system of choosing leaders is also a globally recognized process; through voting. Most African countries have thus moved from the dark days of power coercion to willful choosing of leaders.
Most countries have adopted the democratic system of leadership with the exception some states like Swaziland. There are also political laws through the constitution that gives sovereignty to the citizens. African countries have their set rules and legislation on citizenship, rights, and freedom of their citizens, the roles of the Executive, Legislative and, the Judicial arm of the government. Africa has thus risen, and political ideologies have also shifted gears. Most leaders are well versed with their roles as the voices of authority, they, therefore, are committed to establishing a better environment for their future generations, they uphold humanity and practice servant-leadership (Moss, 2011).
The populace in Africa is growing. Life expectancy, health and living standards of most African states are improving. Most countries such as South Africa, Rwanda, and Mozambique have many employment opportunities with many international companies based in their land. These opportunities have provided jobs for many citizens thus increasing the GDP of many households. Additionally, there are many developed infrastructures and superstructures in these countries. They have world class hospitals, airlines, schools, residences, etc. This has increased domestic growth through quality service delivery with the improved facilities. With the gradual growth, most countries in Africa are expanding regarding; workforce development through skilled training thus reducing outsourcing; service delivery; and economic empowerment (Khan, 2013).
African is steadily growing and exploring the global market with its different products. Most countries export their goods to international countries and have enjoyed the monopoly for quite some time. A country like Kenya is globally known for its specialty in tea. The Kenyan tea is a brand that sells globally. The prospects of most African states have opened doors for many internationally recognized trade unions and treaties with the African countries. The global market of Africa despite competition from other European countries is thus growing steadily, and soon, Africa will become a brand in many exports and imports (Ferguson, 2006).
Growth is gradual, and for Africa, it is unequivocal that this continent is progressively reaching the top global rank given its potential resources. Africa is a continent of the great minds and products, it is not a surprise, therefore, that change has sufficed in its economic, socio-cultural, and political environment. Change is inevitable, and Africa is a perfect example to use when talking about a continent that was earlier disregarded and misused to one that has recollected itself together and is soon becoming a continent of envy to the developed countries that have enjoyed the domination for years.
References
Africa: a continent for the third millennium. (2001). BMJ, 322(7277), 0-0. doi:10.1136/bmj.322.7277.0
Ayee, J. R., & Codesria. (2008). Reforming the African public sector: Retrospect and prospects. Dakar, Senegal: Council for the Development of Social Science Research in Africa.
Castle, K. (n.d.). Chapter 3: The unknown continent: Africa in history textbooks. Britannia's...
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