African century

African century is the belief or hope that the 21st century will bring peace, prosperity and cultural revival to Africa. Unlike other neologisms, this idea is not focused on the dominance of African politics and culture, but a development focus. Among those who have spoken of an African century are South African politicians Thabo Mbeki and Nkosazana Dlamini-Zuma, Chevron CEO David J. O'Reilly, US Treasury Secretary Paul O'Neill and celebrity campaigner Bono.

Nigerian economist and chair of the United Bank for Africa, Tony Elumelu, declared that the key components of Africa's role in the new world order are its: youthful, growing population; natural resources; entrepreneurship; and unification. In January 2025, the African Development Bank forecasted that Africa’s GDP will grow at an average of 4% per year over the next decade, largely driven by entrepreneurship and innovation.

It has also inspired a radical policy journal - African Century Journal founded in 1999.