If you’re looking for a reason to be optimistic about the world, let it be Africa. Despite geopolitical conflicts, Africa’s resilience has been unyielding. The continent is at the forefront of a new, greener development pathway – across landscape restoration, renewable energy, and sustainable development. And there’s enormous potential for these agendas to take off.
The African Development Bank Group recently reported that Africa is the second-fastest-growing region in the world with 11 of its countries poised to be among the world’s 20 fastest-growing economies in 2024. The findings paint a picture of Africa’s ability to drive economic growth at home and beyond.
Key drivers of Africa’s economic durability are the entrepreneurs and small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) spurring innovation and creating jobs on the continent. In fact, Africa has the highest rate of entrepreneurship in the world, and SMEs account for 80 percent of jobs.
Many of Africa’s entrepreneurs are working in the restoration sector, transforming degraded and deforested land into productive and climate resilient landscapes. Land restoration not only boosts biodiversity and ecosystem health, but also provides economic benefits, creating business development opportunities that help lift local communities out of poverty.
The continent’s vibrant community of local restoration champions is not just contributing to Africa’s growth but is leading the global restoration movement. That’s why the Bezos Earth Fund is investing in locally led restoration efforts through our partnerships with TerraFund for AFR100, One Acre Fund, and leading grassroots organizations.
“Thousands of African community groups and entrepreneurs are turning global restoration goals into reality right now,” says Emily Averna, the Bezos Earth Fund's Program Lead for Land Restoration. “Creating more funding mechanisms like TerraFund for AFR100 will play a crucial role in the sustained growth of the green economy in Africa – facilitating high-impact partnerships between restoration entrepreneurs and the larger NGOs and funders interested in supporting their work.”
Africa’s fast-growing workforce is vital to unlocking Africa’s commitments to restore over 100 million hectares of deforested land. Africa has the world’s youngest population, with more than 60% of the continent’s population under the age of 25. By 2035, there will be more young people in Africa entering the workforce each year than in the rest of the world combined.
The continent’s burgeoning young workforce and economic trajectory are also key to driving green growth in another area: renewable energy. Africa holds 60% of the world’s solar energy potential, and investment in clean energy projects and adoption of renewable energy solutions will strengthen its climate resiliency and increase economic stability and job creation.
By leveraging solar and other renewable energy sources, African countries can continue to reduce their dependence on fossil fuels from other nations, enhancing energy security and economic independence. Coupled with the rehabilitation of landscapes, renewable energy is creating new opportunities for investment and innovation, stimulating long-term growth across all sectors.
Africa’s potential to transform into a global powerhouse has always been there. And supporting the growth of Africa’s green economy is something worth being optimistic about.