International dialogues on African development remain fixated on redefining success rather than materially enabling its realization. Groundbreaking research across 40 African nations reveals populations consistently excel in nonmaterial dimensions of human thriving, even amid severe economic constraints. Consider Nigeria, ranked fifth globally in nonfinancial flourishing indicators despite its middle-income status. There, a majority of citizens report robust social relationships and exceptional levels of forgiveness, outperforming wealthier nations.