The Wise Generation Z

Last week I was asked to help out at a High School in Hamburg-Jenfeld, Germany (Max-Schmeling-Schule) to lecture for 11 students. They asked me to be their permanent lecturer, as they are hungry to hear about the future. I mentioned that my Baby-Boomer generation is lucky, having not faced too many challenges. Their generation, at the end of their lives, especially their children, will face the full force of problems...and they agreed!

They asked me to share insights into Africa, knowing and being convinced that Africa is the future of the world; the world leader to come. Much to my surpise did they ask me whether I think a third world war is inevitably. I mentioned the law of history is constant and continued change; nothing stays the same. Reforms are a long process with mostly no violence or bloodshed. Fundamental change and shifts in power exchange never come without a war. The USA, Russia and China will not vacate their superpower status voluntarily because Africa raises its hands, saying now it is their turn to be in charge of world politics. History has never worked that way. New this time round will be the permanent threat of the nuclear bomb arsenal. When one such bomb ignites, a chain reaction will be triggered, with the consequence that the human race will be wiped out. Unlike conventional or hybrid wars, an atomic war to stop at an early stage or at all is very unlikely.

One Indian-born student came out to say he believes that in 60 years there will be another World War. No one in the classroom rejected his vision. Hungry, very hungry indeed, they wanted to get correct information and insights about what lies ahead of them. When I faced them with facts, they went quiet and were shocked. Nigeria has a population today of about 230 million. people and a multiplication rate of currently 5,6% in 25 years, it will be 1 billion people. 55 African countries will give birth to some more, with the African population standing at 4 billion people in one generation to come. At the end of these German students' working lives. Natural resources for which Africa today is praised and loved will be exploited. In 50-80 years, the soil of Africa will be empty. Climate Change will dry out Africa, and farming with irrigation will increase food prices. The fights for the last natural resources of Africa will trigger internal fights and wars fueled by outside forces.

Will this eventually lead to World War III? Was I asked? For now, I left the question unanswered, as more insights are needed to back any of my thoughts about the possibilities of their future. Wherever I lecture young people, Germans and foreign students alike, I come across the same revelation:n Generation Z is convinced Africa is the future. And they do not seem to be unhappy or saddened about it. They add to my thoughts that Africa has the potential to be the next World Ruler but lacks, as of now, the correct African leaders able to achieve this destiny.