The rest of the world continues to shunt Africa to the periphery, regarding it mainly as a source of raw materials. But as more advanced economies face structural problems, the continent’s unmatched demographic momentum and enormous industrialization potential imply that it will play a central role in global economic expansion. WASHINGTON, DC—More than 50 years after decolonization, the West still regards Africa as a supporting player in the global economy: a source of raw materials and little else. This outdated view has hampered Africa’s development of high-value manufacturing industries and integrated supply chains, impeding economic growth. As a result, disparities...