It was a changing Africa that greeted us as we travelled through Senegal to Cape Verde, through the Democratic Republic of the Congo and Rwanda.

Why go to Africa? To do what? What good will it do? People ask these same questions again and again, spreading a kind of indifference called Afro-pessimism. And although there are many well-known challenges and widespread difficulties, there is a proud and strong Africa that is resisting fatalism and rebuilding itself one step at a time. These are the extremely courageous, tremendously clear-sighted and fiercely determined women, men and children that the Canadian delegation and I went to honour and support.

Putting diplomatie de proximité into action, from one country to the next, we increased the number of meetings with civil society and held broad discussions with leaders. Frank discussions without any complacency. This is a good way to discuss challenges; always respecting each other and focussing on a spirit of reciprocity. In this way, dialogue is always possible, open and sincere. Our hosts everywhere responded to this.

It is imperative that we closely monitor the achievements of the people and communities we support around the world. At the end of this, my third visit to Africa—first in 2006, then in 2009 and now in 2010—I had crossed the continent from north to south, west to east. Canada is present in Africa and must remain so. We have been successful up to now in helping African populations to regain power and to strengthen their abilities by supporting projects on the ground with encouraging results. For decades, we have supported their reflections, their aspirations and their efforts. And while a number of African countries are this year celebrating the 50th anniversary of their independence, it is now time to take stock, to look to the past, to the challenges and accomplishments, in order to better define the present and understand goals for the future.

Living conditions are still difficult; governance and the rule of law are often fragile; lack of security is still a concern and an obstacle to development; corruption continues to infect many efforts. A number of paradigms must change within every method of working, including on the international co-operation side. But we must continue to invest, in a responsible way, in the continent’s human potential, as that is its greatest resource.

A word on the rest of its, clearly attractive, natural resources and on the huge market Africa represents. A number of countries are becoming more and more interested: Brazil, China, India, Korea, the United States, to name just a few. But new synergies are being put in place between African countries themselves, as they want to define their own local, regional and continental strategies, and want the international community, governments and private companies to recognize them as equal partners, and not as assisted nations or areas to exploit freely and wildly. To escape the cycle of assistance; to fully manage their resources, politics and institutions; to show what they are capable of doing; to be recognized for their individuality; and to be heard: this is what the changing Africa is aspiring to.

Africa has a long road ahead. But there is no question of going back, as we were told by everyone we met. And we were struck by the strength of civil societies. Africa women everywhere were reclaiming parity and equality, and respect of their physical and psychological well-being. I was delighted to add my voice—that of the Canadian experience—to those who are speaking up. More and more men are supporting them and recognizing the essential role that women play in their country’s development, in establishing peace and prosperity. Young people, of whom there are an imposing number in Africa, are aware of the power they represent. We must ensure that they are given the necessary opportunities and that they want to stay and help build viable, growing communities.

This Africa full of possibilities is moving ahead and sincerely wants the rest of the world to know it and to take part in its renewal.