The opportunities in this emergent economy are huge. In order for Africans to trade around the world- the ENGLISH language is an enabler. All views are the authors own: John Jeffers

1. Amazing AFRICA – the sleeping giant
John J. Jeffers

2. Amazing AFRICA – the sleeping giant
Africa is truly an amazing continent rich in cultural heritage and diversity.
World civilization began in Africa – genetically we are all of AFRICAN descent. It is the second-most-
populous continent in the World with over 1.2 Billion peoples.
It enjoys a wealth of natural resources minerals and hydrocarbons.
It offers breathtaking tourist attractions: Victoria Falls is one of the 7 natural wonders of the world. It
also boasts the world’s longest river, the Nile (4,132 miles). Its abundant wildlife is beyond compare.
It is a land of opportunities: Africa’s urbanization rate is 37%, comparable to China’s and larger than
India’s. It’s expected to be the fastest urbanizing region in the world from 2020 to 2050.
Poverty remains a challenge: sub-Saharan Africa has the highest proportion of people living in poverty
at 35.2%. Only trade can help improve this situation.
Africa is the world’s most underdeveloped continent and therefore offers enormous potential and
opportunities for growth.
In spite of the varied quality of much of the internet facilities, there are more than 100 million
Facebook users in Africa and Social media makes a major contribution to African political life is in
ensuring that democracy functions
The KEY to Africa’s successful future is trade & commerce and key to achieving this is to
master the defacto language of Global trade- ENGLISH.

3. The English language is the defacto Global commercial language. More than 2 billion
people all over the world speak English and that number increases everyday.
English has special or official status in more than 75 countries and is spoken as a first
language by over 435 million people. It is also the most commonly used language
among foreign language speakers.
It is the language of diplomacy, political negotiations, business, science, commerce
and industry. It is widely used in communication with International Organizations like,
WTO, IMF, and the World Bank
It is the most dominant language of the internet.
More than 90% of websites are written and created in English with 80% of the data
stored in the computers around the world is in English. Over 36% of the internet
users communicate in English.
Many multi-national & Global companies when dealing with cross-border business
communication will do so in English. It is also prominent in education ,world news
and is the language of much of the media industry.
Why should Africans speak English?

4. To be successful in International business, learning English is an important catalyst.
The use of English language for cross-border communications is important in many
areas of trade ranging from tourism to the trade in financial services.
Effective communication is an important building block to the future of AFRICA and it is
important as a business professional to be able to communicate successfully with
overseas business partners. Proficient understanding and use of English is key.
Business opportunities will become limitless when your employees proficiency level in
English increases.
Africa, the sleeping giant, will enjoy future success and an important pillar to this
achievement will be mastery of the language of trade- English.
AFRICA – English language and the future
John J. Jeffers