Africa is experiencing strong economic growth, with its economic output increasing almost fourfold since 2000. More countries in Africa are growing at 7% annually than in Asia. Africa's middle class has grown significantly, with over 300 million Africans now considered middle class. Remittances and foreign direct investment in Africa are growing as well. The continent is poised to play a larger geopolitical role and its diaspora populations and growing consumer markets make Africa's economy and global influence increasingly important.