Thousands of young African professionals are now living and working in Europe and the United States, not as cleaners and labourers, but in the world-class institutions that run the global economy. Evidently the young Africans who left in pursuit of better economic prospects, broader job opportunities and international exposure found all of these things. But they haven’t forgotten Africa. The coffee houses and wine bars across Europe host endless discussions and debates on the solutions to the continent’s problems.

In all of this, it is increasingly being acknowledged that Africa is changing. Countries like South Africa, Nigeria and Ghana are now providing business environments with real opportunities for young people to make a meaningful difference.