Overview of Sustainable Development in Africa

What is Sustainable Development?

“Sustainable Development is development which meets the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs.” Development is no longer just economic, but is tied to the social and environmental aspects of a country or countries as well.

Economically, it seeks to establish a diverse, industrialized economy that can contribute to the global economy for the now and in the future at the normal rate of growth.

Socially, this form of development works towards the establishment of an education and health system that can increase the standard of living for the nation as a whole.

Environmentally, sustainable development’s goal focuses on not depleting natural resources to the point at which they are unable to naturally replenish themselves and can continually contribute towards a national economy.

Current State of Sustainable Development in Africa…

Many factors are hindering sustainable development in Africa. Economically, Africa’s market access is limited, development assistance is inadequate, and Africa is burdened with debts. Socially, the continent is plagued with conflicts and is heavily impacted by HIV/AIDS. Environmentally, resources such as the rainforests are slowly depleting and are being utilized as a cheap source of material by Multi-National Corporations.