Africa’s global perception must shift from one of dependency to one of dynamism, says Prateek Suri, founder and CEO of Maser Group, in a call for greater recognition of the continent’s underestimated young talent.
Suri challenges the dominant narrative that frames Africa in terms of poverty, aid, and inequality. Instead, he highlights a different story, one of untapped talent, entrepreneurial spirit, and relentless resilience. Having built businesses across Africa, he asserts with conviction that the continent’s greatest asset is its youthful population.
“Africa’s greatest asset is its young people — smart, entrepreneurial, resilient, and yet deeply underestimated and undervalued by the world,” Suri said.
The continent, home to more than 60 percent of the global youth under 25, represents a demographic goldmine, especially in a world grappling with ageing populations. Suri argues that this youth bulge, combined with growing mobile penetration and a wave of innovation hubs, positions Africa not just as a participant but as a potential leader in global technology.
Despite the promise, Suri points to a striking paradox: an abundance of resourceful and intelligent young Africans coexisting with low wages and limited opportunities.
“Many of these young minds could lead global companies, build transformative technologies, and solve problems not just for Africa, but for the world, if they were simply given the same valuation, investment, and trust that talent in other regions receives,” he said.
He attributes part of the problem to a historical mindset shaped by exploitation and geopolitical marginalisation, one that leads Africa to undervalue its ideas and capabilities. But for Suri, the reality on the ground tells a different story.
“When I look at a young coder in Nairobi, a fintech entrepreneur in Lagos, or an engineer in Kigali, I don’t see poverty; I see global potential.”
Suri believes Africa’s youth are already innovating out of necessity, often producing more relevant and scalable solutions than those seen in wealthier nations. However, systemic underinvestment and outdated global perceptions continue to limit their impact. “Africa is not just a market; it is a maker,” he said, urging a global mindset shift.
This new narrative, according to Suri, must be matched by concrete action: increased investment in education, startups, and digital infrastructure, but most importantly, belief in the continent’s inherent worth. “The tragedy is not that Africa lacks value, but that Africa often doesn’t know its value,” he said.
Through Maser Group, Suri is working to rewrite this narrative by supporting and investing in Africa’s youth. The group’s vision is anchored in empowering young people to unlock their potential and drive innovation not just locally, but globally.
“This is why I believe the next decade belongs to Africa, if Africa claims it,” Suri said. “Because when Africa realises its worth, it won’t just rise, it will lead.”
