Africa's big bet

I've never been to Africa. Most people haven't. And still, the vast majority of us have very clear images of the vast continent. For me the first thing that comes to mind is wildlife. The elephants, cheetahs, lions, giraffes. The second is that of human suffering. The famines, HIV, civil wars, corruption. As difficult as it is for me to admit it, I spend more time thinking and learning of the former than the latter. Either way, it only demonstrates my complete ignorance of the realities of this beautiful continent.

With a population of over 1 billion people and more natural resources than anywhere else on the planet, there must be so much more to the place. Rich areas alongside the poor. Advanced technology next to tribes that have not experienced any. A reconciled democracy where less than 20 years ago thrived a racist, supremist regime. And still, I am confident that most people who live outside Africa share my ignorance. Friday this can all change.

The Football World Cup is starting Friday and suddenly a fifth of humanity is going to set its sights on the events unfolding in South Africa. Hopefully, what we will see is simply the best footballers in the world contesting football's greatest prize in the game's most modern facilities. Not wildlife or human suffering but football as it is played in Old Trafford, the Nou Camp or the San Siro. We will see a modern nation leading a normal life on an enormous scale. And if, hopefully, that will be the case, the World Cup will do more to Africa than any other event in recent history. It will make it 'normal'. A place where cost of money goes down because the risk premium is reduced. Where corporations can safely invest. Where people can create their own future without depending on hand downs from other countries.

Or not. The Football African Cup of Nations only earlier this year did the opposite. When the Togo team's bus was ambushed by armed robbers killing players and staff it reinforced the Western image of Africa. The stampede in a friendly earlier this week did the same. Any disturbance will be broadcast to the same billion people around the world, crushing hope and squashing opportunity.

The World Cup is Africa's big bet. For the sake of the 1 billion Africans and with them the rest of us, I hope it would be the great success this suffering continent deserves it will be.

PS 480km down. 520km to go.