I woke up today reflecting on something that defines the path of our continent. Africa is rich in spirit, creativity, and natural resources. Yet, one wonders whether we are investing our greatest energy in entertainment rather than enterprise – in applause rather than advancement.

Across Africa, millions follow skit makers, musicians, social media influencers, film stars, sports and political personalities. These figures command vast audiences, shaping our culture and daily conversations. In their own right, they represent the continent’s boundless creativity and human capital, an asset no less valuable than oil or gold.

But herein lies a subtle concern: while the Western world manufactures the tools, platforms, and technologies that make such influence possible, Africa remains largely the market, not the maker. We are often the consumers of imported items, from electronics and vehicles to beauty products, food items and even health essentials, that we could, and should, be producing ourselves.

This reflection is not to discredit our people, for art and expression are vital to society. Yet, for Africa to rise competitively, our young people must see equal pride in producing generators, medicines, digital solutions, and sustainable innovations as they do in producing skits (though some have to be careful for legal challenges in the near future such as those in pranks) and music hits.

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Encouragingly, there are already shining examples of African producers, innovators, and manufacturers who are doing just that; building, assembling, and creating. These success stories deserve not only recognition but also patronage and protection as viable businesses, not merely “ours” for sentiment’s sake. To compete globally, our products must match or surpass international standards in quality, design, and delivery. Pride alone is not enough; performance must sustain it.

Yet, the heartbeat of true progress lies in leadership. Across the continent, many political leaders promise heaven and earth but forget the millions who believed in their words. Leadership should be the moral engine that turns ideas into institutions and followers into fulfilled citizens. Instead, too often, it becomes a theatre of empty promises, producing loyal followers without sincere futures. This cycle of unfulfilled hope leaves the continent with millions of marginalised people within their own nations: talented, waiting, and willing, but misdirected by poor governance.

True leadership is not about producing followers; it is about producing opportunities. It is about building systems that empower citizens to create, compete, and contribute to humanity. When African leadership embraces that philosophy, it will channel the same energy that drives entertainment into enterprise and the same passion that fills stadiums into factories, classrooms, and laboratories.

Let us also remember: much of what built the industrialised nations came directly from African soil, the minerals, other resources, and, painfully, human labour. The Benin Bronzes are a visible reminder of that history, and while their return symbolises progress, a greater restitution lies in creating fair trade, access to technology, and value-added partnerships that empower African nations today.

Progress will not come from complaint or comparison but from courage and cooperation. Africa must decide whether to remain the stage or become the workshop; the storyteller or the toolmaker. The world is ready to buy, but we must be ready to build.

At the end of the day, a fair global system is one where both sides – seller and buyer, prosper through mutual respect and shared benefit. That, indeed, is the better world we seek.

Mentoring Cmdt Ambassador Alistair is the Founder of BEN TV, Europe’s 1st Ethnic media, a social entrepreneur, mentor, and advocate for African leadership, youth empowerment, and development across the continent and the diaspora.