As the year draws to a close, the holiday season offers a moment to pause and reflect on our shared humanity and collective responsibility. It is a time to reconsider the global imbalances that define our world and to explore how generosity, not just in spirit but in action, can address these inequalities.

For Africa, a continent brimming with potential yet burdened by systemic challenges, this season should serve as a reminder of the urgent need for equitable partnerships and meaningful support from the global community.

Africa’s challenges are as vast as its opportunities. The continent is home to 1.4 billion people, a majority of whom are under the age of 25. This youthful energy could power industries, drive innovation, and transform economies, yet it is stifled by limited access to resources, infrastructure deficits, and a lack of investment in human capital.

Compounding these challenges are the climate crisis, economic shocks, and persistent inequities in the global financial system. These issues demand global attention, not as acts of charity, but as investments in a shared and sustainable future.

One of Africa’s most pressing needs is access to financing for development and climate resilience. Despite contributing less than 4% of global greenhouse gas emissions, African nations bear the brunt of climate change, with extreme weather events threatening livelihoods and economies.

Yet, Africa receives only a fraction of global climate finance – just 11 per cent of what is needed annually. This glaring imbalance highlights the need for a new approach to global support, one that moves beyond empty pledges to deliver meaningful action. Debt-for-nature swaps, increased access to concessional financing, and mechanisms such as green and blue bonds offer pathways to unlock much-needed funds without exacerbating debt burdens.

Economic justice is another area where the global community can step up. African nations lose an estimated $100 billion annually to illicit financial flows, including tax evasion by multinational corporations. This figure nearly matches the total annual aid received by the continent.

Reversing this trend requires stronger international collaboration to enforce transparency, close loopholes, and ensure that Africa’s wealth benefits its people. The West must take greater responsibility in regulating global financial practices that undermine Africa’s development, treating this issue as a shared global priority.

Beyond financial support, knowledge and technology transfers are vital. Africa is poised to benefit immensely from advancements in renewable energy, digital infrastructure, and sustainable agriculture. However, these sectors require significant investment in capacity building and technology access.

Western nations, with their resources and expertise, have a crucial role to play in bridging this gap. Supporting Africa’s renewable energy transition, for example, not only addresses climate change but also opens avenues for economic growth, job creation, and improved energy access for millions.

The concept of giving, at its core, extends beyond material support – It involves the sharing of opportunities, knowledge, and respect. It requires addressing the structural inequities that perpetuate poverty and exclusion. For Africa, this means fostering partnerships rooted in equity, where African voices are central to decision-making processes, and solutions are co-created to meet the continent’s unique needs.

This reflective season is also a reminder of Africa’s intrinsic contributions to the world. From its cultural wealth to its natural resources, Africa is not just a recipient of global goodwill but a vital player in global progress. The continent’s growing fintech sector, its strides in healthcare innovation, and its leadership in conservation efforts demonstrate that Africa’s solutions often have global relevance. Recognising and amplifying these contributions is a form of giving that benefits everyone.

As we contemplate the idea of giving this season, let it be more than a momentary gesture. Let it inspire long-term commitments to creating a fairer, more inclusive global community. For the West, this means revisiting its role in global inequities and embracing its responsibility to act, not out of guilt or charity, but out of a shared vision for a sustainable future. Whether through fair trade practices, investment in African industries, or meaningful climate action, the potential to give Africa a fair chance lies within our grasp.

This season is a reminder that the greatest gift we can offer each other is the possibility of a better future. For Africa and the world, this begins with action—deliberate, equitable, and transformative. Let this be a season not only of reflection but also of resolve to turn generosity into lasting change.

The author is an applied economist.