Written by: Pearl Kupe
Article source: JOY! Magazine

In Biblical terms, “gates” represent places of authority, governance, and influence – in ancient times, city gates were where leaders met to make decisions and conduct trade. To “possess the gates” means to take spiritual and practical dominion over key areas of influence in society, such as business, government, media, education, and family. These are the entry and exit points that shape a nation’s atmosphere and future.

We take our mandate to possess these gates from Genesis 22:17, where God says to Abraham: “I will indeed bless you and make your offspring as numerous as the stars of the sky and the sand on the seashore. Your offspring will possess the city gates of their enemies.” In this passage, God blesses Abraham with the grace to possess gates generationally. Whoever controls the gates controls the influence and direction of a nation.

In my new book, Possessing the Gates of Nations, I explore the various gates the Body of Christ must reclaim in order to fulfil our Kingdom mandate.

Why the economic gate matters
Whoever possesses the economic gate controls the economy – and with it, the power to influence other gates such as government, education, and family. A striking case study in South Africa was when the Zondo Commission found that three brothers from a foreign nation allegedly used their wealth to capture state functions, influence government appointments, and secure lucrative contracts. Their economic control gave them disproportionate political and social influence. This example reveals a key truth: those who control the economic gate are often able to manipulate or control all others.

The urgent need for economic transformation
When we look at the state of nations globally, we see growing economic instability:

  • Stark inequalities and uneven distribution of resources, wealth, and opportunity
  • Rising unemployment, with many jobs increasingly replaced by technology and automation
  • Corruption on the rise
  • Post-Covid economic recovery remains sluggish in many nations.

It will take Kingdom-driven economic blueprints to realign the nations with their redemptive purposes. As a major generator of wealth and raw resources, Africa has a strategic role to play. We must steward this responsibility with integrity and collaboration.

A prophetic word over Africa
For the past 10 to 15 years, many prophetic voices have declared that Africa will move from being seen as a “begging bowl” to becoming a breadbasket and distributor of wealth to the nations. Africa is not poor. She is the wealthiest continent on earth in terms of natural resources. Yet, she has long been misrepresented as the poorest.

Consider these facts:

  • South Africa holds 77% of global platinum reserves, 46% of chromite, 21% of manganese, and nearly half the world’s gold.
  • Botswana owns 22% of the world’s diamonds.
  • DRC holds 21% of industrial diamonds and 53% of cobalt.
  • Namibia and Niger together hold 16% of global uranium.
  • Ghana, Tanzania, Mali, Guinea, and Burkina Faso together hold 10% of the world’s gold.
  • Nigeria has the 10th largest oil reserves and the 8th largest gas reserves globally
  • 60% of the world’s uncultivated arable land is found in Africa.

Africa quite literally has the potential to feed the world and fuel its economies.

It’s time to rise, build, and steward
This is a season for the Body of Christ to unite, share divine blueprints, and step into the prophetic purpose for Africa. We must collaborate across borders and spheres of influence to fulfil our Kingdom assignment and reclaim the economic gate for God’s glory.

This article is featured in the September issue of JOY! Magazine. Read a digital version of this magazine here: joygifts.co.za

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Date published: 24/08/2025
DR PEARL KUPE – attorney and consultant to world leaders and international organisations, as well as TV show host on TBN Africa (DSTV channel 343). Visit pearlkupe.co.za or email pearl.kupe@gmail.com
Feature image: Image for illustrative purposes only. Artwork adapted from www.freepik.com

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