The seventh annual African Economic Forum, held at Columbia University in March, was entitled "Africa Turning Golden: How a Continent is Moving Forward." To articulate and define a continent one billion people strong and over 53 nations broad is a herculean, if not impossible, task. Perhaps no one was better suited to attempt the feat than Dr. Obiageli "Oby" Ezekwesili, World Bank Vice President for the Africa Region, former Nigerian Minister of Education and former member of Nigerian President Olusagun Obasanjo's economic team.

From the Saharan sands to South Africa's Robin Island, from the jungles of the Democratic Republic of Congo to the Swahili Coast of Mozambique, from Egypt's Abu Simbel to Victoria Falls, all that unites Africa, quipped Dr. Ezekwesili, is a love of English football clubs, whether they be Manchester United, Arsenal or Chelsea. These are the jerseys requested by her three boys. As a mother, she provides, but she hopes that one day she will replace these with the jerseys of African teams.

Dr. Ezekwesili highlighted that Africa is on the cusp. The continent is at an inflection point experienced by China 30 years ago and by India 20 years ago. It has the ability to escape the enduring trap of underperformance, but it does not yet have the luxury to expect that transformation is inevitable.