These 4 Countries Defy Everything You Know About Africa

Africa's Bright Future Is on the Move

Africa is just an expanse of hunger and poverty. 

That’s what many people think. But they’re wrong.

There are nations that have already tapped into the prosperity that I dream of for all African nations. And it’s high time that we give them some attention! 

In this article, I’ll highlight four African countries that are defying stereotypes and making Africa’s Bright Future a reality.

Kigali Convention Center is the area's hub for technology, innovation, and tourism. Photo via CrystalPerk Mombasa.

Picture this: You're in Rwanda, strolling down spotless streets, surrounded by bustling commerce and safe neighborhoods. This isn't a dream; it's the reality of modern-day Africa. 

Rwanda’s economic growth averaged 7.2% a year between 2009-2019, and in 2022, their real GDP grew by 8.2%. Rwanda is on track to achieve middle-income country status by 2035 and high-income country status by 2050.  For the past 15 years, Rwanda has also been among the most improved nations on the World Bank’s Doing Business rankings.

What does that mean in more concrete terms? People are already growing more prosperous, and life is getting better and better for Rwandan citizens. 

Kigali is also home to African Leadership University and Carnegie-Mellon University Africa—two higher educational institutions dedicated to training the next generation of African tech leaders and innovators.

These two universities form a core part of Kigali Innovation City (KIC), a 61-hectare site which will also include office spaces, research and development facilities, and start-up incubators. KIC is projected to create more than 50,000 jobs, generate more than $150 million in information and communication technologies exports, and attract over $300 million in foreign direct investment.

The Icon Building, located outside Botswana’s capital city of Gabarone, is the anchor for Botswana Innovation Hub. Photo via Bloomberg/ SHoP Architects.  

Meanwhile, Botswana also actively encourages entrepreneurs, providing financial assistance for startups, entrepreneurship training, research and technical assistance programs, and increased market access. 

The country enjoys one of the world’s fastest-growing economies, with the third highest gross national income per capita in purchasing power in Africa (well above the world average). It has also earned the title of the least corrupt African country, clocking in at number 35 on the Corruptions Perceptions Index. (The United States is number 24.) Many in Botswana enjoy safe, stable, and prosperous lives.

Le Caudan Waterfront is a commercial development in Port Louis, the capital city of Mauritius. Photo via Wikimedia.

Moving eastward, the island nation of Mauritius offers yet another African success story. Mauritius has an upper-middle-income economy and one of the most stable democracies in Africa. The country earned a “free” rating in the 2023 Freedom House's annual study of political rights and civil liberties. 

That freedom—which extends to economic freedom—has created a thriving business environment. The country’s GDP per capita has more than doubled in the last 20 years, ranking higher than countries like South Africa, Brazil, and Thailand. 

Eden Plaza Mall, Seychelles

And now for our last stop—the Seychelles. Here, a wealth of Africans are living in harmony with the rich nature around them. Seychelles has the highest GDP per capita in Africa ($15.8 billion in 2022), and it’s the most prosperous nation in sub-Saharan Africa.

All these places defy the tired old narrative of African doom and gloom. They’re showing Africa as it is and as it can be—a prosperous, thriving place where people can lead secure, happy lives. 

The next time you think about Africa, I challenge you to push past outdated narratives. Don't see the past; see the future. 

Africa isn't a continent on the brink; it's a continent on the move. The real question here is: Are your eyes wide enough to see it? Can your mind expand enough to comprehend its growth? 

The Africa you've always heard of is transforming, and it's high time we kept pace.