Africa can’t grow by copying the West. Here is why we need our own blueprint

Africa’s problem isn’t ambition—ambition is abundant. What’s lacking is the courage to chart a path that makes sense for Africa. We watch the West talk about space exploration, high-speed trains, and autonomous cars, and it ignites a fire in us. We want to belong on that global stage, joining in with the same thrilling accomplishments. But the truth is that Africa is at risk of losing its own way in a race it wasn’t even ready to start. We’re getting ahead of ourselves, and the dangers of this approach are quietly but steadily building up. Look around, and you’ll see it in every corner. Countries across the continent are in a rush to be part of global conversations on tech innovation, while basic services still lag. Here we are, dreaming of digital currencies, but millions of people can’t even access basic banking. We’re talking about Silicon Savannah, while rural children still study under trees or in dilapidated classrooms. The irony is stark, and so is the consequence: a lot of smoke and mirrors, but no fire. The reality is, development isn’t a trend; it’s a process. The pace at which countries grow isn’t a matter of pride or competition—it’s a matter of what’s possible and what’s sustainable. We need to ask ourselves: are we truly ready to compete in industries where we don’t even have the basics yet? Or are we merely jumping on every passing trend, even at the expense of foundational growth? Let’s face it: Africa can’t grow by copying the West. They’re on a different journey, with resources and historical advantages that we simply don’t have. For instance, high-tech industry might seem like a promising field to dive into, but can we truly support it when much of the continent lacks reliable electricity? Or how about healthcare tech? Sure, telemedicine sounds revolutionary, but what happens when you try to deliver it in areas with little to no internet access? This pattern of reaching for advanced goals without the groundwork often leaves us dependent on foreign technology, expertise, and, yes, foreign aid. And this isn’t an issue of simply not being "advanced enough." It's an issue of building a development path that respects Africa’s current realities. Our strength doesn’t lie in following the global status quo but in defining our own narrative. Imagine if, instead of reaching for the latest, flashiest trends, we poured that energy into quality education systems that create skilled youth or into agricultural advancements that address hunger. Imagine if, instead of borrowing heavily for prestige projects, we invested in water infrastructure, roads, and healthcare. These aren’t glamorous pursuits, but they are the foundation of a prosperous society. There’s another layer to this: Africa’s unique advantages are often neglected in the rush to fit global trends. The continent is rich in natural resources, has a young and vibrant population, and is ripe for investment in areas that could lead to self-sufficiency. Yet, instead of leveraging our agriculture, for example, we import a massive amount of food. Instead of capitalizing on solar energy potential, we keep relying on external sources of power. And in doing so, we miss out on opportunities to build industries that fit our realities and uplift our people. The question then becomes, why are we so willing to follow others' paths? Maybe it’s pressure—political, social, or economic. There’s often a sense that we have to “catch up,” that the developed world is moving so fast we need to sprint just to stay in the game. But this mindset is destructive. We don’t need to “catch up” with anyone. We need to find a pace that works for us, build industries that reflect our strengths, and create a system that actually serves our people. Sometimes, the idea of “progress” blinds us to the actual needs on the ground. When countries in Africa sign deals for costly skyscrapers, digital currency initiatives, or tech hubs, who are these developments actually for? More often than not, they’re for the tiny elite, or even worse, for the benefit of foreign investors. Meanwhile, the average person—the farmer, the teacher, the nurse—still struggles with basic issues that these high-profile developments do nothing to solve. They’re simply not built for them. This isn't to suggest Africa should abandon ambition or reject modern advancements. Far from it. But ambition without a plan is a sure route to failure. For growth to last, it has to start from the ground up, building brick by brick in a way that acknowledges the needs, strengths, and limitations of our societies. The developed world got where it is by first mastering the basics—education, healthcare, transportation, reliable governance—and then layering more advanced sectors on top. Africa must do the same. Starting from a solid base, we can progress at a pace that’s sustainable and meaningful for us. Instead of comparing ourselves to tech giants, maybe we should look toward countries that have pursued gradual, home-grown development. Take Vietnam, for instance. It’s not racing to become a tech superpower overnight; instead, it’s been investing in manufacturing and agriculture, building from a solid base and moving step by step toward more advanced industries. Or look at Bangladesh, which has steadily invested in its garment industry, now one of the largest in the world, providing jobs and uplifting local economies. These countries aren’t trying to be Silicon Valley—they’re building wealth in ways that make sense for their economies. Africa has the potential to redefine development. We can lead, but not by becoming a second-rate copy of the West. The continent’s advantage lies in being a first-rate version of itself. That means embracing what makes us unique and leveraging it to uplift our people. Imagine if our leaders prioritized universal access to clean water over ultra-modern office buildings. Imagine if they prioritized health clinics over digital currencies. The impact on people’s lives would be immediate, tangible, and far-reaching. But change starts with a shift in mindset. Development is not a race; it’s a marathon, and sometimes the marathon isn’t about catching up but about building the endurance and strength to sustain our own journey. Africa has to stop looking sideways at what others are doing and focus on the steps that make sense for us. We don’t need every child in a coding bootcamp when half of them don’t have access to basic education. We don’t need to talk about smart cities when we still haven’t addressed the sanitation issues in our urban centers. The allure of high-tech, high-profile development is strong, and the international community is eager to promote it. But we must remember that Africa’s story doesn’t need to follow the same plot as Europe or America. We can set our own pace, taking time to secure the basics before jumping into the big leagues. And we can do it in a way that benefits not just a select few but the millions of people who live on this continent. Imagine an Africa where roads are not a luxury but a given, where healthcare doesn’t require traveling to another continent, and where education isn’t just accessible but high-quality. Imagine a continent that invests in its own potential, from agriculture to renewable energy, and doesn’t waste resources on showpieces that benefit only the privileged few. Imagine a continent that builds industries designed to serve its people, rather than ones that perpetuate dependency. The time has come for Africa to stop racing and start building. Let’s not be seduced by what’s flashy; let’s focus on what’s necessary. Real growth is steady, unglamorous, and patient. It means prioritizing local industries, uplifting communities, and investing in what truly matters. Africa doesn’t need to be another tech capital or space hub. Africa needs to be Africa—a continent that provides for its people