With its countless ethnic groups, tribes, languages and nations, Sub-Saharan Africa is immeasurably diverse. But the countries here share a history of foreign exploitation and thus a legacy of endemic poverty, corruption and stifled political development that often prevents them from capitalizing on their economic potential. And because outside powers will always be drawn to the promise of the region’s resources, Sub-Saharan Africa will be defined by the competition between these powers and how regional countries can capitalize on it.