African Leadership Magazine has expressed deep disappointment over the comment attributed to US President, Donald Trump, in which he referred to Africa as a ‘shithole’ as widely reported in the media, describing the comment as rather unfortunate.

In a statement issued at the weekend in Portsmouth, United Kingdom, the magazine said the comment displays a posturing of a person that is not in tune with prevailing realities.

“Available data has proven time and again, that Africa is a resource-rich continent, that has consistently rewarded American companies doing business on the continent. Experts have projected that Sub-Saharan Africa, would reach a GDP of $29 trillion by 2050. The continent is also arguably blessed with some of the most outstanding human resources on the planet today, plying their trade in very strategic roles globally.’

The magazine also pointed out that for the US President to describe Africa as a whole in such derogatory parlance is generalisation and freedom of expression taken too far.

“Certainly, a continent that has experienced growth, with over one-third of Sub-Saharan African countries posting six per cent or higher growth rates annually, and another 40% growing between four per cent and six per cent per year, cannot be a ‘shithole’. A continent, described by international business observers as the future economic growth engine of the world, is definitely not a ‘shithole’.”

It further urged President Trump to consider these indices, when next he is in search of a narrative for the continent, as well as the 1.8 million African Diaspora, that are contributing to the growth of the American economy.

“And we call on all people of good conscience to condemn this denigration of our beloved continent, while thanking the American people who have risen up to condemn this attack on Africa – the cradle of civilisation. We hope that President realises his error and retracts this statement.”

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