Why is there a need for development in Africa? Since the dawn of the colonial era, the African continent has undergone numerous difficulties on the path to economic and human development. High levels of poverty, disease and inequality, along with low levels of human development, education and infrastructure, have long gripped the continent and have stifled growth efforts (Gorton). An example of this extreme poverty is found in the African country of Uganda, where in 2012 nearly 80% of its citizens could not afford food (“Many developing countries struggle to afford food”). Furthermore, the number of people suffering from hunger in Africa grew from 1990 to 2012 from 175 million to 239 million, with one in four people suffering from undernourishment or various symptoms of hunger (“2013 World Hunger and Poverty Facts and Statistics by World Hunger Education Service” ). As a struggling continent in the South of the developing world, Africa in many ways justifies a desperate need for drastic increases in economic and human development. Non-violent issues such as diseases and the lack of a widespread and adequate education system certainly represent a threat to development. of Africa. However, corruption and violence are two other major forces that continue to plague the continent as a whole (Shah). Due to perpetual violence and high levels of corruption, Africa has produced over 9 million refugees and “internally displaced persons” since 2000 (“By Origin Table”). Electoral corruption in a relatively unstable democratic system in Kenya is a prime example of such corruption experienced in Africa (Campbell). The African continent as a whole faces substantial obstacles. Yet the visions of China, the United States and Africa continue to… middle of paper… resources do not prove to be a big enough boost to put the African nation on par with larger developing countries. nations such as China and Brazil (Carroll). Conclusion Africa has certainly experienced and will continue to endure problems and struggles regarding development in its place in the Global South. It will be an ongoing battle to control issues such as corruption, violence, disease and general poverty. Despite this, the continent as a whole appears surprisingly poised to achieve at least marginal levels of growth and success in the years ahead. Private agencies and investors, such as the African Union and Shanghai Zendai Property Ltd., together with the growing commercial interests of British companies in the Global North, have the potential to overcome the difficulties that the African continent has faced since the dawn of colonialism. 15th century era.