Is Being a Non-Developed Country in the 21st Century an Advantage or a Disadvantage?

Introduction

According to major international organizations, a country is considered developed if it has a high level of industrialization, a high human development index, and a high GDP per capita, a definition I agree with.

Yet, the definition of development held by many Africans, especially political leaders, seems shaped by ideals promoted by dominant global powers. This influence extends across multiple areas of our society, shaping how we understand economic models, government, urban planning, and even basic lifestyle choices, such as fashion and diet.

Africa's history of enslavement, colonization, and apartheid contributed to what I call a "follower mindset." For a long time, these events hindered our ability to compete effectively on a global scale. However, over six centuries have passed since Morocco was first colonized, and today, I believe Africa has all the tools required to reclaim its identity and move from a follower to a leader.

Observation

My analysis will focus on several elements that appear to define the current development model in most African countries:

Urban Development

Everything bigger and imported has become a benchmark for development in the eyes of many Africans, often with little consideration for local conditions and long-term consequences. For years, leading nations have pursued modern city standards: erecting skyscrapers with high carbon emissions, fostering social isolation, and creating substantial adverse environmental and social effects.

Expanded road networks and rambling developments that fragment habitats and drive deforestation; Expansive coverage of roads, parking lots, and roofs causing the heat island effect and preventing water infiltration, which increases flood risks and destroys natural habitats; Informal waste disposal and sewage in rapidly expanding cities, etc.

Governance

Some African societies have viewed Western countries, often labeled as democratic and prosperous, as role models. This perspective is frequently shaped by global media portrayals. However, it is essential to critically examine these models, noting that some exhibit high levels of indebtedness and economic disparities, with a significant portion of wealth and influence held by a small minority, which can affect public policy outcomes.

Economy

The economic frameworks of these Western nations are often regarded as robust, yet their long-term viability is questionable. Challenges include persistent industrial stagnation and soaring energy costs, largely due to fossil fuel dependence. Their ability to maintain industrial output, transition to green energy, and grow digital sectors is undermined by heavy reliance on critical raw materials from African and some Asian countries.

While certain industries thrive, many of these countries rank among the top global polluters due to unsustainable practices in agriculture, construction, and fashion, major drivers of pollution, biodiversity loss, and greenhouse gas emissions.

Health and Lifestyle

Whether it is dietary guidance from the World Health Organization often criticized for alleged ties to chronic disease rates or the ultra-processed and fast food sectors fueling widespread health crises like diabetes, obesity, and cancer, or the fashion industry, which contributes roughly 10% of global greenhouse gas emissions, surpassing emissions from international flights and maritime shipping combined in the US and Europe alone the detrimental effects are undeniable.

Conclusion

My goal is not to discredit other regions, but to awaken Africans to the potential advantage of being non-developed in the 21st century. What was once viewed as a disadvantage could now allow us to reconsider and adjust our approach, learning from mistakes in other models.

While Africans once felt left behind by global development, it is now clear that unsustainable progress has caused chaos in many developed nations. Issues like systemic discrimination, mental health crises, debt, homelessness, and dysfunctional social structures are widespread there. These outcomes suggest that blindly following this path is not beneficial; instead, Africa has the chance to choose a different, more effective model.

This does not mean Africa is superior, but it gives us the unique opportunity to begin afresh: to shed the follower mindset and shape an inclusive, sustainable society as a model for the world.

Imitating misunderstood Western models puts Africa at risk of inheriting these societies' problems just as they strive to move away from them. This is a critical moment to make our own decisions.

I firmly believe that the future success of Africa depends on each government's responsibility to address its domestic affairs, in coordination with other countries on the continent. By doing so, Africa can become a globally competitive partner, leveraging its human and natural resources and gaining recognition by merit rather than seeking external validation.

Ancient Africans were renowned for their mighty empires, scientific advancements including architectural feats prosperous economies, resilience, selflessness, profound spiritual connections with God and nature, and sacrificial love for their people: the Mali Empire under Sunjata Keita and Mansa Musa (1230–1600), the Songhai Empire in the 15th century, the Ancient Egyptian Empire with its Pharaohs (3150–2181 BC), Democracy in Ghana with Kwame Nkrumah in 1957, Democracy in DR Congo with P.E. Lumumba in 1960, and the end of apartheid in South Africa under the ANC led by Nelson Mandela in 1994. But what legacy will today's African bequeath

But what legacy will today's African bequeath?