Yes they can if they want to. It will not happen overnight but it will happen of they have the will power to do so. Many underdeveloped countries are not underdeveloped because of lack of resources and manpower but because of the people who are leading the country.. Their lack of foresight or their denial of it. I don't want to mention any specific issues because all countries including developed countries have it. Underdeveloped countries have a choice everyday is they can just make the right one.