Why is Africa in poverty?

I am watching Comic Relief 2011 and I have cried so much watching these young and old people in Africa cry because they don't have enough food or water or they need an operation, I could go on and on but I just want to know why? Why are these people going through this no one should have to go through it, I would not wish this on anyone. Why is Africa in poverty? Shouldn't we be doing more than just having one day a year devoted to it! Am I wrong to think we as privelldged people be doing more for people who can't do it for themselves?

The people in central Africa have been victimized by their own leaders. In a part of the world rich with natural resources and rich soil, the politics are based on, "might makes right." The leadership strips their countries of the wealth and leaves their own people to starve.

Investors world wide have learned that "emerging nations" are a good place to invest. There are billions in investment funds that would be available to finance African agriculture and business ventures except the corruption is so bad the money would be stolen just like the charitable contributions directed at helping the African poor systematically ends up in the hands of the leadership.

Maybe they do not have all the basic needs.