South America, traditionally considered a region of opportunity and lower inequality, is currently experiencing a period of socio-economic stagnation, marked by institutional crises, human capital flight and weakening productivity. Meanwhile, several regions in Africa, despite their contrasts and structural challenges, show increasing dynamism, with projections of sustained economic growth, investment attraction and improvements in key indicators such as the Human Development Index (HDI). Although South America maintains better absolute figures in human development, African countries such as Rwanda and Ethiopia have shown more accelerated progress, while in South America stagflation, deindustrialisation and dependence on raw materials predominate.
Differences are also evident in the living conditions of children in specific cities on both continents. While South American cities such as Buenos Aires, Montevideo and Lima have developed public services but are under pressure from economic crises, in African capitals such as Kigali, Maputo and Luanda, modernisation is uneven but expanding, with growing opportunities in sectors such as mining, logistics and tourism. Africa's youth represents a demographic advantage over an ageing South America that has not yet reached full development. Thus, while Africa positions itself as a potential engine of future global growth, South America risks being trapped in an economic plateau with no clear horizon for transformation.
Source: hoydia.com.ar