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Market Vectors Africa ETF: The Dark Continent's Shining Star

You said:
...Anytime that you have immense natural resources, an extensive inflow of capital, and organized entrepreneurs, you have the makings for a vibrant economy; and when the sea rises, all boats rise. ...

Well, maybe. Don't forget that Africa also has population growth way beyond sustainable levels, in many cases their population is growing faster than their GDP. They have corruption up the yin-yang. Look at the annual corruption index and don't bother looking in the top half. Their education levels are terrible, finishing primary is an accomplishment, and particularly bad for women. Remember, 'the hand that rocks the cradle, rules the world', meaning that the children that those women raise are the future of their countries. Speaking of which, women are oppressed across the continent; half the team left sitting on the bench. And leaders that don't seem to care about any of the above, only about lining their own pockets.

So, in summary, they have the potential to do great things, but they have to get their act together and change their cultures to allow those great things. Investing in Africa at this point is an act of faith that they will. For me, the evidence is lacking as yet.