I’m getting tired of these usual reactions whenever Africa is mentioned: “Really? You’re from where again? Zambia? Where’s that? Oh in Africa! Isn’t it hot and barren there? Isn’t that a desert? Isn’t that…?” What comes to their minds are the news items on how poor people are out there, without water, housing and with a scorching climate. A couple of times I’ve been asked: “So do wild animals like lions walk along the streets? Do they linger in your backyard?” I’m like: “Where in the world do people get these preposterous ideas from?!”

Africa is a continent and Zambia is a country that is part of that continent. Yes, nearly all the reports about Africa are factual but these facts do not hold true on all parts of the vast continent. Labeling Africa as a poor, deserted, hot and uninviting place is misguided, as the contrary is true. Africa is believed to be the oldest inhabited place on earth and the human species is believed have originated from this continent. It flourishes with flora and fauna and many endangered animals and plants thrive there. So fact number one: Not all of Africa is barren. Of course, there are deserts in Africa but its dense forests cover a larger area of its landmass.

How about the climate then? Well Africa is located on the equator but not all of its countries are at sea level; rather, many are elevated. Remember Science 101-”The higher you go, the cooler it becomes.” Zambia, for example consists mostly of a high plateau, which gives it a subtropical climate most of the year. Fact number two: Not all parts of Africa have tropical climates. Keep in mind that this continent is home to rain forests as well where it rains daily.

Aren’t the poor countries in the world found in Africa? Right. The continent is poor because of the misuse and abuse of its natural resources, not because Africa is lacking them. On the other hand, remember where the “gold rush” was? Africa! Yes, this continent has gold, copper, diamonds, oil, and many other forms of natural resources. Even status-wise not all African countries are poor or underdeveloped. South Africa, for example, is considered to be a developed country with an abundant supply of resources and well-developed financial, legal, communications, energy, and transport sectors. Fact number three: Not all of Africa is to be viewed as poor — quite a few of its countries are international competitors in business and economy and the rest are rich in natural resources.

Africa is indeed a modern paradise, one of the few places on earth where wildlife roams in their natural habitat. So the next time you hear the word ‘Africa’, think about the virgin forests, savannas, crystal clear waters and other picturesque scenery you see on postcards spread out on one big continent just waiting to be discovered.

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