No longer can conversations about the global economy by political heavyweights happen without mentioning (and involving) Africa. The continent’s inclusion in forums like BRICS, the G20, the United Nations Security Council (UNSC) and others, is testament to the hard work that some leaders on the continent have done to shake off the continent’s colonial past and era of economic exclusion.

Africa is a continent on the move and a hub of opportunity. If nations are not looking towards Africa, they are missing out on an opportunity to be part of and invest in something potentially great. There’s a lot of good that can be said about the continent’s economic prospects.

Our continent’s economic outlook is positive, with 4,5% projected growth for 2015 and 5% in 2016. This is despite the challenges and crises, like education, infrastructure development, corruption and unemployment.

Imagine the possibilities if we could get our house in order.

I am proud to be a child of this continent and I will forever encourage corporations and individuals to invest in and trade with Africa. Nonetheless, we need to be fully aware of the factors that are keeping us from being the best Africa we can be.

We can do so much better in many regards, especially when it comes to democratic processes and translating economic investment into opportunities for the people of Africa.

We cannot in good conscience brag about Africa’s economic achievements and global political standing, when internally the political situation is dire and the economic trajectory is dependent on a few states.

If we look at the political climate of states like Zimbabwe, Lesotho, Burundi, South Sudan, and Swaziland among others, it is clear that the democratisation of Africa is undermined by politicians who believe that it is their right to hold office rather than a sacred privilege bestowed upon by the people they claim to serve.

When politicians elevate their own will above that of the democratic will of the people, our global and political standing is without legitimacy.

Burundi is a clear example of the political of politicians being put ahead of the democratic will of citizens, and a failure of democracy. Opposition leader, Zedi Feruzi, was assassinated while fighting for democratic processes, which are being subdued by the incumbent, President Pierre Nkurunziza, pushed to violate the country’s constitution of a limit on two terms for the president.

The people of Burundi took to the streets in protest but Nkurunziza ignored this. He put himself and politics first and the people last.

When foreign aid and direct investment enrich politically connected czars, and does not lift the pain and suffering of poverty or build schools and empower entrepreneurs, we cannot legitimately talk about our successes on the economic and political world stage.

An Africa that is at war with itself and people is an Africa that will struggle to realise its full potential.

We need to be honest about the state of democracy on the continent that coupled with the high levels of poverty, inequality and unemployment, threaten the internal stability of a continent that has the potential to be great.

That said, there is a lot of good that the continent is doing, and we can build on those opportunities. For instance, in terms of growth, Africa is leaps ahead the rest of the globe, with growth expected to average 6% per annum. The potential of the continent is there.

Africa is the only place I can call home; I have nowhere else to go if Africa fails. I will therefore work hard to ensure that never becomes the case. From Cape Town to Cairo, we should make it our mission to ensure that we democratise, and become everything we imagined.

The will of the people must prevail so that we ensure freedom, fairness and opportunity reign supreme. Democracy is the foundation on which we will build a better Africa, where through hard work and commitment we can truly be part of great nation. DM