It was 1884. Berlin hosted Heads of State and hordes of diplomats to the Congo Conference to discuss how the Congo, and Africa for that matter, should be divided between Colonial Powers. Germany had been, as my grandmother would have said, backward in coming forward, so it had to grab what it could in the scramble for African possessions, while King Leopold of Belgium managed to hold on to the Congo as his personal property.

Britain sought to consolidate its domains, especially against the 'perfidious French' as part of the Empire over which the sun never set. And, no, there were no Africans present. Perish the thought, old chap. It was the British Cecil John Rhodes who proposed a railway and telegraph from the Cape to Cairo. 

The story of colonial Africa is a contentious and complicated one. Unbearable horrors, great humanity, development, and destruction reigned. Then came independence, and Africa sank back into what the African visionary Credo Mutwa called the subconscious of the Western soul. 

Not any longer. Over the last year, Russian, Chinese, and Western leaders have become frequent visitors, naval vessels visit African ports, and summit courtship dances elicit amusement. African leaders push back at Western concerns regarding Chinese expansion. 

While Africa had all but disappeared from the American diplomatic horizon during the Trump years, now Vice President Kamala Harris visited three of the staunch US allies, Ghana, Tanzania, and Zambia, and President Biden is expected later in 2023. Interestingly both Ghana and Zambia had recently defaulted on loan debt, with Zambia holding opaque Chinese loans. It is noted that loan restructuring and strategic minerals were discussed during the Harris visit. 

Chinese 'debt trap' financial policies have been brought into the G20 ambit of normal economic relations, but observers note increased investment in mineral extraction and processing in Africa by Chinese interests. Concern is also regularly expressed at the Russian Wagner group becoming increasingly active in West and Central Africa. 

In contrast, Vice President Harris' visit seems to have given impetus to regaining lost ground. In 2000, when the African Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA) was passed, the US was Africa's largest trading partner. China is now leading. But the visit also emphasized democracy and moves away from authoritarianism. 

There is reason to be interested in Africa, not just as votes to count on in international fora, but as a backdrop to international photo opportunities. The population of Europe, the USA, China, and Russia is falling, and that of Africa is growing. In 2050 Africa will supply the manpower the rest of the world will need. While Europe and the USA reluctantly meter immigration numbers, China is building production facilities in Africa. 

The future manpower will be African. Now is the chance to mold, form and inspire it.