AFRICA, THE STATE OF THE UNION-2024
Ernest Kuzoe
Global Speaker | Entrepreneur |Top Insurtech Voice | Insurance Ecosystem | Technology | Strategy| Business Development | | Host of Insurance Industrial Complex Podcast | EX-KPMG | EX-ACCENTURE | EX-MILLIMAN|
Africa’s Destiny in the Balance: Breaking Free from the Tranquilizing Drug of Gradualism
Introduction
"I no longer wish to partake of this tranquilizing drug of gradualism." These words echo in the hearts of every African who believes in the greatness of the continent. As we reflect on Africa's journey—from the euphoria of independence to the challenges of political instability, corruption, and foreign influence—it is clear that gradualism is no longer a viable path. Africa stands at a crossroads, filled with promise but shackled by the weight of its colonial past. While we have come far, the time has come for decisive, united action.
1. The Fight for Independence: How Did We Get Here?
Africa’s fight for independence is one of resilience and courage. Leaders like Dr. Kwame Nkrumah of Ghana were at the forefront of this struggle, with Nkrumah’s statement, "Ghana’s independence is meaningless unless it is linked up with the total liberation of Africa," serving as a rallying cry for Pan-Africanism. His vision for a united and self-reliant continent went beyond mere rhetoric. The 1957 independence of Ghana was the spark that ignited a wave of liberation across the continent, inspiring a collective belief in Africa’s potential to take its rightful place on the global stage.
2. The Wave of African Independence (1950s–1960s)
The wave of independence that followed Ghana’s liberation was a significant moment in African history. By the 1960s, numerous African nations had reclaimed their sovereignty, inspired by leaders who shared Nkrumah’s vision. These included:
Optimism was high, and there was a collective belief that Africa, after centuries of subjugation, would now rapidly develop, self-reliant and unified.
3. Post-Independence Challenges: Corruption and Military Coups
However, the post-independence period brought challenges. Weak institutions and remnants of colonial administrative structures provided fertile ground for corruption, and some leaders who had fought for freedom became consumed by power. The era of military coups began, with countries like Ghana, Nigeria, and Uganda facing political instability. Despite these setbacks, some progress was made toward restoring civilian rule, but the cyclical nature of coups dragged Africa further from the Pan-African vision of unity and prosperity.
4. The Formation of the Organization of African Unity (OAU) in 1963
In 1963, as African nations struggled with internal challenges, the Organization of African Unity (OAU) was formed. Its mission was to promote unity, defend sovereignty, and foster collaboration among African states. While it succeeded in supporting decolonization efforts, its inability to prevent internal conflicts became a significant limitation. The OAU laid the groundwork for what would later become the African Union (AU), representing Africa’s collective desire for unity.
5. The Series of Coup d’états and Political Instability (1970s–2000s)
The political instability of the 1970s and subsequent decades continued to plague many African nations. Coups became a common means of transitioning power, further destabilizing the continent. Countries that had once shown promise fell into cycles of military dictatorship and civil unrest. Yet, even in this turmoil, the dream of a united Africa persisted. The transformation of the OAU into the African Union (AU) in 2002 signified a renewed commitment to African unity, though the path ahead remains fraught with challenges.
6. Contemporary Challenges: The Present State of Africa
Today, Africa faces new challenges that threaten the progress made since independence. The war in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) is one such issue, with decades of conflict preventing the country from achieving stability. African nations, like Kenya, have shown a willingness to deploy peacekeeping forces abroad, yet we have not mobilized the same level of commitment for internal crises. Similarly, the war in Sudan continues to reflect the limitations of non-interference policies, as internal conflicts go unresolved.
The agricultural sector, vital to Africa’s future, is also under threat. The introduction of genetically modified organisms (GMOs), often backed by foreign entities like the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, poses significant risks to traditional farming systems. By creating dependence on patented seeds, Africa risks losing control of its agricultural future.
Moreover, the continued payment of colonial taxes to France by some African countries in 2024 is a blatant remnant of neo-colonial exploitation. This financial bondage contradicts the spirit of independence and must be urgently addressed.
7. Towards African Unity: Key Solutions
The need for African unity is more urgent now than ever. Pan-Africanism, as envisioned by Nkrumah and others, is the only viable solution to the continent’s challenges. Key to this vision is the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), which promises to reshape Africa’s agricultural and economic landscape by encouraging intra-continental trade and innovation.
The creation of an African continental passport and a common currency must also be prioritized. These steps would facilitate the free movement of people, goods, and services across the continent, promoting economic integration and reducing reliance on foreign currencies. Institutions like the African Union (AU) and ECOWAS must also be strengthened to lead the continent toward unity.
A pivotal initiative in the West African region is the planned introduction of the ECO, a regional currency proposed by the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS). The ECO promises to reshape the region’s financial landscape and offers a path to finally ending the colonial tax burden that some Francophone African countries continue to pay to France. This tax, a relic of colonial subjugation, is still imposed on countries that use the CFA franc—a currency controlled by the French Treasury.
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Ending the French Colonial Tax: ECO as a Catalyst
The ECO would replace the CFA franc in many West African countries, severing the financial tether to France and eliminating the colonial tax that these nations are forced to pay. Currently, 14 African countries still use the CFA franc, with much of their foreign reserves held in French banks. By adopting a regionally controlled currency, West African nations would reclaim their financial sovereignty. The ECO will:
?However, the vulnerability of African institutions to foreign interference remains a critical issue. Allegations that the AU headquarters in Addis Ababa and ECOWAS headquarters in Abuja are bugged by foreign powers raise serious concerns about Africa’s ability to safeguard its own strategic interests. The security and autonomy of African institutions must be enhanced to protect the continent’s political and economic future.
8. Mixed Assessment of Progress: Nkrumah's Perspective
If Dr. Kwame Nkrumah were with us today on his 115th birthday, he might offer a mixed assessment of the progress made toward African unity. On the positive side, the establishment of the African Union and the implementation of AfCFTA would align with his vision of economic integration and political cooperation. Cultural movements that celebrate African identity and intellectual freedom would also resonate with his ideals.
However, Nkrumah would likely be disappointed by the lack of a unified political structure and the continued reliance on foreign aid and influence. The slow pace of economic and political integration, as well as the persistence of regional conflicts, would be sources of frustration. While progress has been made, the urgency and ambition that Nkrumah advocated for are still lacking. His assessment might fall somewhere around a "C-" or "C+," recognizing the achievements but emphasizing the work still needed to fully realize his vision.
9. Quotations by Dr. Kwame Nkrumah
As we reflect on Africa’s future, the words of Dr. Kwame Nkrumah continue to inspire us:
These are not just words; they are a call to action. Africa must unite politically, economically, and culturally if it is to reclaim its rightful place on the world stage.
Conclusion
Africa's future is filled with potential, but only if we act decisively. The time for gradualism has passed. We must reclaim our agricultural systems, end foreign interference, and build a continent defined by unity and progress. As Nkrumah said, "Forward ever, backward never!" Now is the time for Africa to move forward, together.
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