My Africa Tomorrow: Decades of Natural Resource Exploitation and Underdevelopment

Africa is endowed with abundant natural resources such as diamond, gold, copper, emeralds, oil, gas, forestry, water, and arable soils. However, there has been no meaningful socio-economic development in a number of African countries indicative of the available resources. The Sub-Saharan region which houses more resources on the continent is the most affected region in terms of underdevelopment and poverty. The continent's natural resources have played a vital role in the development of the West since 15th century. The relationship between Africa and the West has mainly been strengthened on the basis of the exploitation of Africa's natural resources. Huge tonnes of resources are shipped out of the continent every year at low export value under the terms of international trade and investment leaving Africa with a trail of environment damage and underdevelopment. The development of the West and underdevelopment of Africa can well be examined within the context of Africa's natural resource exploitation. It is undeniable fact that these resources are depleting without any meaningful development and this threatens the survival of humanity in Africa. Therefore calls for prudent management of natural resources cannot be contested if African governments are to build better nations for the present and future generations.