Why is Africa lagging farther and farther behind the rest of the world economically? Despite a wealth of natural resources, Africa still suffers from poverty, disease, corruption, tribal warfare, and exploitative dictatorships.

The award-winning investigative team of Heilbuth and Bulow (Battle of the Titans) produced this thoroughly researched program with a bold disregard for political correctness. They met with a new generation of African businessmen and intellectuals who addressed the appalling lack of progress. These Africans are outraged at the widening gap between the rich heads of state and poor subjects, the lack of a work ethic among African workers, and the fact that famine still claims so many lives when Africa could easily feed itself. The film shows that Africa is a rich area: it has 70 percent of the world's cobalt reserves, 46 percent of its diamonds, 44 percent of its chrome, and great hydroelectric power potential. Contrary to popular belief, Africa is not densely populated.

The young, educated Africans feel that colonialism and the rich countries of the world can no longer be blamed for all the ills of Africa. As one African journalist says, "It is unfortunate and shameful to see Africa with all her potential, always turning to the West and saying, 'Give us this, give us that.'" A young Kenyan businessman says he is embarrassed by an economy built on aid. Yet, he believes that a change is taking place across Africa and that "we have to take our place amongst the nations."