By Adebanji Dada (BJD), LLM, MBA, FSM
Africa, the cradle of humanity and a continent abundantly blessed with natural and human resources, has remained paradoxically underdeveloped for decades. Despite boasting vast mineral wealth, fertile land, and a youthful population, it still grapples with poverty, weak institutions, and economic dependence. The question that naturally arises is: why is Africa still struggling to attain true independence and sustainable development?
There are several competing narratives, but one that has persisted—across political debates, academic discourse, and public sentiment—is that Western nations have actively contributed to Africa's underdevelopment. This article seeks to interrogate that claim, confirm the truth in some of the allegations, and ultimately argue that the responsibility of developing Africa rests squarely on the shoulders of Africans themselves. Particularly, it is a call to action for Africans in the diaspora, especially the younger generation, to be torchbearers of a new developmental agenda for the continent. The Legacy of Colonial Exploitation and Neo-Colonial Manipulations To understand Africa’s current predicament, one must acknowledge the historical realities of
colonialism. European powers partitioned Africa in the late 19th century with little regard for the sociocultural and ethnic complexities of the region. Their primary motive was extraction—not development. Infrastructure, where built, served the sole purpose of transporting raw materials
to ports for export. Education was minimal, industrialization was actively discouraged, and governance structures were designed to subjugate rather than empower.
Post-independence, many African countries inherited economies and political systems ill-equipped for nation-building. But even after colonial rulers exited, control did not cease.
Instead, a more insidious form of influence—neo-colonialism—took root. Through unfair trade practices, structural adjustment programs (SAPs) from Bretton Woods institutions, and deliberate interference in domestic politics, Western powers continued to wield disproportionate influence over African affairs.
A well-documented example is the role of France in Francophone Africa. The CFA franc, which is tied to the euro and backed by the French treasury, limits the monetary sovereignty of several African states. Moreover, France maintains military bases and political influence in many of these countries, raising questions about their true independence.
Multinational corporations, primarily from the West, have also been complicit. They often exploit Africa’s resources with minimal reinvestment, engaging in tax avoidance schemes and environmental degradation. The Democratic Republic of Congo, for instance, holds over 60% of
the world’s cobalt—a critical mineral for electric car batteries. Yet, it remains one of the poorest countries in the world.
What is True and What Must Change
While it is true that Western interests have played a significant role in Africa’s
underdevelopment, the narrative cannot end there. Blaming external actors, while justified to an extent, must not be a substitute for internal accountability. Corruption, poor leadership, ethnic
divisions, and weak institutions have also contributed immensely to the continent’s challenges.
Africa has had numerous opportunities to break free from dependency. The African Union, the New Partnership for Africa’s Development (NEPAD), and Agenda 2063 all represent homegrown frameworks for development. However, the implementation has been sluggish,
often due to lack of political will, resource mismanagement, and elite capture.
The Case for African-Led Development
History shows that no nation has developed through external charity. Development is driven by internal resolve, strategic thinking, and collective action. Israel, a country built largely by its
diaspora, stands as a compelling example. Jews from across the world invested in building a resilient nation through education, technology, agriculture, and military strength. Today, Israel is a global leader in innovation despite being in a volatile region with minimal natural resources.
Similarly, India’s diaspora has contributed significantly to its rise as a global IT hub.
Remittances, intellectual capital, and political lobbying by Indians abroad have helped shape favorable global perceptions and policies. China, too, welcomed its diaspora to invest and share expertise, contributing to its economic miracle.
Africa must learn from these examples.
The Role of the Diaspora and the Youth
According to the World Bank, remittances to Sub-Saharan Africa reached over $53 billion in 2022—surpassing foreign direct investment. This shows the immense financial muscle of the diaspora. But remittances alone are not enough. There is a need for coordinated efforts to
channel diaspora investments into strategic sectors such as infrastructure, education, health, and technology.
Africans in the diaspora must also become ambassadors for the continent—advocating for better trade deals, supporting good governance, and transferring skills and knowledge.
Youth-led tech startups, Pan-African research initiatives, and diaspora-backed venture capital funds are all practical tools that can be used to uplift the continent.
This generation of Africans is the most educated, connected, and exposed. They must shun apathy and cynicism, and instead embrace Pan-Africanism as a guiding philosophy. The future
belongs to those who build it.
Building Institutions and Cultivating Selfless Leadership Development cannot thrive in an environment where institutions are weak and leadership is self-serving. Africa must invest in building strong, transparent, and accountable institutions. This includes reforming the judiciary to ensure rule of law, empowering anti-corruption agencies, and strengthening civil society.
Leadership must transcend ethnic, religious, or regional interests. It must be rooted in integrity, vision, and service. This is the responsibility of both the electorate and the elected. We must demand more from our leaders and hold them accountable.
Furthermore, the private sector must be incentivized to drive industrialization and innovation.
Governments should create an enabling environment—through sound macroeconomic policies,
access to credit, and infrastructural development—that fosters entrepreneurship and job creation.
Africa Has What It Takes
Africa has arable land, abundant sunlight, natural resources, and a young, dynamic population. These are the very ingredients of greatness. With the right policies, leadership, and institutions, Africa can leapfrog traditional development pathways and become a hub of innovation,
sustainability, and prosperity.
We already see pockets of progress: Rwanda’s digitization agenda, Kenya’s fintech revolution, Nigeria’s entertainment industry, and Ghana’s democratic stability. These examples prove that growth is possible. But they must be scaled and replicated.
Practical Steps Forward
1. Establish Diaspora Investment Platforms: Create structured vehicles for Africans abroad to invest in infrastructure, agriculture, and SMEs.
2. Promote Education and Innovation: Invest heavily in STEM education, vocational training, and research institutions.
3. Reform Governance: Strengthen institutions, decentralize power, and improve public sector efficiency.
4. Boost Intra-African Trade: Fully implement the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) and improve regional infrastructure.
5. Foster Civic Engagement: Encourage youth participation in politics and civil society through digital platforms.
Africa’s story is far from over. We are not condemned to underdevelopment. But the continent’s transformation will not come from the West. It will come from within. It is time for Africans—wherever they are—to rise with purpose and unity.
This is a call to action: to the young lawyer in London, the tech entrepreneur in Toronto, the medical doctor in Johannesburg, and the student in Lagos. Africa needs you. It is your duty and your destiny. Let us build institutions. Let us champion selfless leadership. Let us act—together—for the good and development of Africa. Because no one will develop Africa for us. Only Africans can—and must—develop Africa.
No comments:
Post a Comment