We need a Marshall plan for Africa | Congresswoman Ilhan Omar

In 1948, the US initiated the Marshall plan to invest $13bn ($115bn in today's dollars) in western Europe. We need a similar plan for Africa

The continent of Africa has over 1.3 billion people - more than double the size of Europe. By 2050, that population is expected to double, giving it more than a quarter of the world's population - many of them of young working age.

And its economies are poised for more growth. The Centre for International Development projects that seven African countries will be among the 15 fastest growing over the next five years. Improving education systems and increased trade are already improving the lives of hundreds of millions of Africans. The poverty rate continues to plummet and migration is increasing as well - spurring the spread of ideas, entrepreneurship and investment. Africa has more than 60% of the globe's arable uncultivated land. And a new trade agreement is expected to create Africa's first continent-wide free trade area, generating economic benefits for the country.

Ilhan Abdullahi Omar is an American politician serving as the US representative for Minnesota's fifth congressional district since 2019

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