That is exactly what Africa needs - a stable, sturdy middle class crust, that will somehow bridge the gap between the rich/powerful and the downtrodden/helpless. The rich and powerful just stash their monies in banks abroad. At least, the middle class circulate money around via spending.

It’s a important step, no doubts about it.

I am skeptical about what consumerism will do to an already suffering continent...

But, Madkat, consumerism means there’s money to spend. At least, there’s money to spend, rather than a majority of destitute people who can be victimized by out of this world inflation rates.

Grace, I may be wrong, but consumerism also means becoming slaves of market economy...money will circulate but it’ll begin and end in the coffers of corporates outside Africa...moreover middle class will aspire only to be richer and nothing will trickle down to the poor at the bottom...
Money has to stay in the country to be spent on other essential sectors like health and education...
If that happens due to globalisation then its a welcome move...

You may be right there. Yes, they can be victims of the bad side of consumerism eventually.

But then, again, it would be better for them to go through the process at this point when economics is starkly polarized between the have-it-all and have-nothing-at-all.

The middle class can manage business enterprises that are financed by investors or they can become entrepreneurs in their own right.

Either way, that will mean employment and a general upgrade of living standards.

Africa should stop being destitute and recipients of foreign aid. The people should start standing up on their own. And that will come only of there is a vibrant activity from the middle class that will crank the wheels of consumerist spending. Money should circulate freely over there.

The rise of a middle class is something important to a country, because things can change for the population, but only if doesn’t follow the Brazilian way (social apartheid).

Hmm... maybe any change is welcome for Africa...maybe globalisation will extend a much needed rope of economic help...yes, it can’t forever depend on foreign aid...