Africa Is Growing, But Is It Getting Richer?

Africa is projected to grow by 4.6% in 2026, potentially outpacing China for the first time in decades. But faster GDP growth does not necessarily translate into rising living standards. Resource-dependent economies, persistent extreme poverty and rapid population growth continue to limit the gains ordinary Africans see from economic expansion. Industrialization presents another challenge as Chinese manufacturers dominate global production and African countries remain heavily dependent on commodity exports. Building regional markets, processing critical minerals locally and leveraging Chinese investment could help diversify African economies. The challenge is creating enough productive jobs for millions of young people entering the workforce while navigating an increasingly polarized global order. Jakkie Cilliers, head of the Africa Futures and Innovation Program at the Institute for Security Studies, joins us to discuss Africa's path to prosperity and how African countries can balance economic development, political stability and democracy. Show Notes: Amazon: Africa's Road to Prosperity: 10 Things to Know by Jakkie Cilliers Financial Times: Can Africa outgrow China? by David Pilling 📌 Topics Covered in This Episode Africa's Growth Boom: Why Prosperity Remains Elusive Can Africa Industrialize While China Dominates Manufacturing? China, Critical Minerals, and Africa's Industrial Future Africa's Demographic Dividend and the Battle for Jobs Democracy, Stability, and Africa's Path to Prosperity Join the Discussion: X: @ChinaGSProject | @eric_olander | @stadenesque | @cgneema | @JakkieCilliers Facebook: www.facebook.com/ChinaAfricaProject YouTube: www.youtube.com/@ChinaGlobalSouth Now on Bluesky! Follow CGSP at @chinagsproject.bsky.social Follow CGSP in French and Spanish: French: www.projetafriquechine.com | @AfrikChine Spanish: www.chinalasamericas.com | @ChinaAmericas