The hope is that if given an education and training, kids like these will help transform Africa's economies. Photo: Miguel Samper for Mercy Corps

Africa is home to many of the poorest countries in the world. Yet a report released last month offers a bright perspective on the continent's collective economies, says the New York Times. Authored by researchers at the McKinsey Global Institute, the report is called "Lions on the Move" and depicts Africa's economic forces as fierce and full of potential power.

Africa owes its economic growth only partly to a natural resource boom, says the report. It credits several other factors, such as improved political stability, microeconomic reforms, urbanization, a growing consumer class and an expanding workforce.

Trends such as these bode well for the region, but what will it take to channel all this potential? A writer for the CIPE Development Blog looks to Africa's political leaders:

If properly harnessed, rising productivity, foreign investment, and cross-border trade could lift millions of Africans out of poverty over the next decade. Whether this will happen depends to a large extent on whether African leaders are willing to institute serious regulatory reforms, particularly in ways that encourage increased regional trade within the continent.

The McKinsey report encourages African nations to engage in the global race for commodities and form relationships with foreign investors. They also see huge economic potential in Africa's youth:

If Africa can provide its young people with the education and skills they need, this large work force could account for a significant share of both global consumption and production.

Of course, the report rightly recognizes that each African country faces a unique set of challenges and opportunities. But it sure is nice to hear some positive news about Africa's future.