The Casablanca Approach: How a unified Africa can be an excellent partner any nation could ever have.

The vision set forth by the Casablanca Group in the early 1960s represents one of the most significant missed opportunities in modern geopolitical history. This vision of a united Africa—politically, economically, and culturally integrated—was not just an idealistic dream but a viable strategy for transforming the continent into a central player in the global economy. This approach, if realized, could have fundamentally altered the trajectory of not only Africa but also the global order, particularly the relationship between Africa, the West, and the Americas.

This article explores how the Casablanca approach could have helped the Mother Continent get her groove back. By analyzing GDP projections across key sectors—Agriculture, Industry, Services, Trade, and Technology—we examine how this approach could have been the catalyst for Africa's resurgence as a global leader again. Additionally, we consider how the legacy of the transatlantic slave trade could have been reinterpreted as a catalyst for unity and mutual prosperity between Africa and the Americas, forging stronger global alliances and contributing to a more stable world.

The Vision: A United and Sovereign Africa

The Casablanca Group, formed in the early 1960s, consisted of African leaders who advocated for immediate political unification, strong economic integration, and radical decolonization. They believed that Africa’s strength lay in its unity—a vision of a continent where individual nations could retain their sovereignty while operating under a unified economic and political system. This system would have allowed for a single African currency, a unified patent office, and the seamless movement of goods, people, and ideas across borders.

A key element of this vision would have been the establishment of simultaneous jurisdiction—a legal framework where individual states or nations within Africa would retain their legal systems, yet these would be harmonized with a central African authority to ensure consistency and cooperation. This could have created a balance between national sovereignty and collective governance, providing a stable foundation for economic integration and political unity.

The Numbers: The Economic Potential of a United Africa

To illustrate the potential impact of this approach, I created a GDP projection that showcases the possible economic outcomes across five key sectors:

1. Agriculture ($500 billion): With a growing population and increased investment in technology and infrastructure, Africa’s agricultural output would rise significantly. The continent’s self-sufficiency in food production would not only meet domestic needs but also position Africa as a global food supplier.
2. Industry ($1,500 billion): By becoming a key manufacturing hub for the United States and other global markets, Africa would experience a massive increase in industrial output. Factories, infrastructure development, and job creation would skyrocket, making Africa the world’s manufacturing engine.
3. Services ($2,300 billion): As Africa industrializes and urbanizes, the service sector would expand dramatically. This includes finance, tourism, logistics, education, and healthcare, driven by a unified market and a youthful, increasingly urban population.
4. Trade ($1,300 billion): With Africa’s strategic position and its vast resources, trade would flourish. The continent would command fair prices for its exports, while a unified currency and improved infrastructure would reduce costs and increase efficiency in trade.
5. Technology ($2,100 billion): The establishment of a unified patent office would unleash a wave of innovation, allowing Africa to leapfrog into the digital age. The continent would become a global leader in technology creation, driving growth not just in tech but across all sectors.

The Grand Total of these projections is a staggering $7,700 billion, or $7.7 trillion USD. This figure represents an Africa that is not just surviving but thriving—an Africa that has reclaimed its groove and taken its place in the global economy.

The Diaspora Connection: Turning a Negative into a Positive

One of the most profound impacts of the Casablanca approach would have been the reimagining of the African diaspora, particularly in the Americas, as a vital bridge between Africa and the West. The transatlantic slave trade was one of history’s greatest tragedies, scattering millions of Africans across the Americas under the cruelest of circumstances. However, in this scenario, the descendants of those enslaved Africans would have played a crucial role in bringing Africa and the Americas closer together.

The African diaspora, recognized as the "6th region" by the African Union, would serve as a cultural and economic link between Africa and the Americas. As Africa united and prospered under the Casablanca approach, the diaspora’s influence would grow, helping to reshape the relationship between Africa and the Americas. African Americans, Afro-Caribbeans, and Afro-Latinos would be seen not just as citizens of their respective countries but also as ambassadors of a rising Africa.

This connection would have profound implications:

• Mutual Prosperity: The economic ties between Africa and the Americas would deepen, with the diaspora facilitating trade, investment, and cultural exchange. The Americas would benefit from the growing economic power of Africa, and Africa would gain from the skills, innovation, and investment brought by its diaspora.
• Social and Cultural Renaissance: The African diaspora would play a key role in fostering a renaissance of African culture, values, and innovation in the Americas. This cultural exchange would enrich both Africa and the Americas, creating a stronger bond between the continents.
• Strategic Alliances: The shared history and cultural ties between Africa and the Americas would lead to stronger political and strategic alliances. The United States and other nations in the Americas would recognize the strategic advantage of having large African-descended populations who are deeply connected to a rising Africa. This would enhance global stability and create new opportunities for collaboration.

A Missed Opportunity: How a Unified Africa Could Have Benefited the West

If the Casablanca approach had been realized, the West—particularly Europe and the United States—could have avoided some of the current geopolitical tensions with Asia. For over 6,000 years, Africa and Europe have shared deep, though often complex, ties that have shaped the histories of both continents. This long history of interaction, spanning trade, cultural exchange, and political alliances, could have laid the foundation for a powerful partnership in the modern era.

Had Africa emerged as a strong, unified economic and political entity, the West would have had a natural ally with shared interests and values. Instead of turning to other regions for manufacturing and economic partnerships, Europe and the U.S. could have found a more balanced and mutually beneficial relationship with Africa. This partnership could have significantly reduced the West’s economic reliance on Asia, leading to a more stable and diversified global economy.

Moreover, a united Africa, with its vast resources, growing markets, and strategic position, would have offered the West unparalleled opportunities for trade, investment, and innovation. The GDP of both Europe and the U.S. could have been substantially higher today if they had a strong African ally to partner with. In fact, the U.S. GDP could have been about one-third larger than it is now due to increased trade, access to affordable manufactured goods, and the development of value-added advanced technologies stemming from a cooperative relationship with Africa.

The U.S. and Africa: A Missed Opportunity for Strategic Partnership

Imagine a scenario where the U.S. did not have to rely on East Asia for manufactured goods and technology components but instead turned to a unified Africa as a trusted ally and partner. This relationship could have mirrored the historical exchange between Rome and Carthage, where the Romans learned advanced naval and farming techniques from the Carthaginians through peaceful cooperation rather than conflict.

In this alternate history, the U.S. and Africa would have engaged in friendly trade and technological exchange, creating a bidirectional flow of innovation and resources that benefited both sides. Africa’s rich mineral resources, combined with American technological expertise, could have led to the development of new industries and the growth of existing ones, particularly in the fields of renewable energy, advanced manufacturing, and digital technology.

This peaceful sharing of technology and resources would have positioned both Africa and the U.S. to be in far stronger economic positions than they are today. The U.S. would have enjoyed a steady supply of affordable, high-quality goods and would have benefited from Africa’s technological innovations. In return, Africa would have gained from American expertise in areas like infrastructure development, finance, and education, leading to rapid economic growth and improved living standards across the continent.

Reconciling the Casablanca and Monrovia Approaches: A Personal Perspective

While the Casablanca Group’s vision was bold and transformative, it was met with resistance from other African leaders who supported the Monrovia Group's more gradual approach to unity. The Monrovia Group emphasized national sovereignty and gradual economic cooperation, contrasting with the Casablanca Group’s call for immediate unification.

In my view, the differences between these two approaches could have been reconciled by drawing on frameworks from other successful unions. For example, the concept of simultaneous jurisdiction could have provided a way to harmonize the diverse legal and governance systems across African nations while respecting their sovereignty. Similarly, the U.S. federal system, where states retain autonomy but operate under a unified national framework, and the Iroquois Confederacy's Great Law of Peace, which united diverse nations under a common governance structure, offer valuable lessons in creating unity without erasing individual identities.

This hybrid approach—combining the Casablanca Group’s vision of unity with the Monrovia Group’s respect for sovereignty—could have led to a stronger, more cohesive Africa. An Africa where states and nations operate under a central authority for matters of shared interest, such as trade, defense, and technology, while retaining their unique legal systems and cultural identities.

A Truly African Union: Building African Institutions with African Resources

A united Africa under the Casablanca approach would have also redefined how the continent builds and funds its own institutions. A striking example of this potential lies in the construction of the African Union headquarters. In our current reality, the AU headquarters in Addis Ababa was built by China, symbolizing both the deepening ties between Africa and China and the continent's continued reliance on external powers for major infrastructure projects.

In contrast, a Casablanca-led Africa, with its commitment to self-reliance and unity, would likely have insisted on building the African Union headquarters with its own resources, talent, and vision. This would not only have been a powerful symbol of African sovereignty and self-determination but also a practical demonstration of the continent's capability to design, finance, and construct world-class infrastructure.

The AU headquarters envisioned and built by Africans, would have served as a beacon of African innovation and craftsmanship. The design could have drawn on the continent's rich architectural heritage, blending modern technology with traditional aesthetics, reflecting the unity in diversity that the Casablanca approach championed. African architects, engineers, and construction companies would have been at the forefront of this project, showcasing the continent's talent and reducing dependence on foreign expertise.

Moreover, funding such a monumental project through African resources—be it through public investment, private sector contributions, or pan-African financing initiatives—would have set a precedent for future infrastructure projects across the continent. It would have demonstrated to the world that Africa is not only capable of envisioning grand projects but also of executing them with excellence, reinforcing the continent's position as a rising global power.

The Power of a Unified AU Patent Office

One of the key benefits envisioned under the Casablanca approach would be the establishment of a unified African Union (AU) patent office. This centralization of the patent process would significantly enhance innovation and economic development across the continent. By creating a streamlined, efficient system for protecting intellectual property, the AU patent office would lower the barriers to innovation that currently exist due to fragmented national systems. This unified office would also promote cross-border collaboration, enabling inventors and businesses from different African nations to work together more seamlessly, thereby fostering a pan-African culture of innovation.

A continent-wide patent office would also position Africa as a major player in the global development and commercialization of new technologies. With a strong intellectual property framework in place, Africa could attract increased investment in research and development, particularly in rapidly growing sectors like digital technology, renewable energy, and biotechnology. This influx of investment would not only drive technological advancements within Africa but also boost the continent’s competitiveness on the global stage, fueling economic growth and creating high-skilled jobs.

Moreover, the unified patent office under the Casablanca approach would empower African innovators to confidently take their ideas to the global market. By providing robust protection for their intellectual property, this system would ensure that African inventors can fully benefit from their innovations, safeguarding them from infringement. This protection would encourage more individuals and companies to invest in innovation, creating a positive cycle of growth and prosperity that could transform Africa’s economic landscape.

The Vision of an International African Airport: A Gateway for Global Trade

Envisioned under the Casablanca approach, a state-of-the-art international airport in Africa could serve as a major hub for global trade, particularly with the United States. This airport would be more than just a point of transit; it would be a thriving center of commerce, where goods and services flow seamlessly between Africa and the rest of the world. By leveraging advanced technologies, the airport would facilitate faster, more efficient trade, positioning Africa as a key player in the global economy.

A unique feature of this international airport would be its use of blimp cargo ships—massive, lighter-than-air vessels that fly above the clouds. Inspired by the pioneering work of African American inventor Charles Frederick Page, who made significant contributions to the development of airship technology, these blimps would revolutionize cargo transportation. Page’s innovations would serve as the foundation for these advanced blimps, offering a sustainable and cost-effective alternative to traditional shipping methods. By flying at high altitudes, these cargo ships would avoid weather disruptions and congested airspaces, ensuring timely delivery of goods. The introduction of this innovative technology would enhance trade routes between Africa and the U.S., reducing transit times and lowering shipping costs.

This airport, equipped with cutting-edge facilities and technologies, would not only handle vast amounts of cargo but also act as a center for the exchange of services. The blimp cargo ships, powered by Page's technological advancements, would carry not just physical goods, but also digital services, such as data transfers and high-tech products, fostering a robust economic relationship between Africa and the U.S. This development would further integrate Africa into the global supply chain, boosting economic growth and solidifying the continent’s role as a vital trade partner on the world stage.

The Road Not Taken: Why the Casablanca Approach Could Still Work

Critics of the Casablanca Group’s vision might argue that Africa was too diverse, too fragmented, or too underdeveloped for such an ambitious plan. But as Malcolm Gladwell might say, history is full of “tipping points”—moments when the right combination of factors can lead to dramatic change. The Casablanca approach, if implemented with the right leadership, international partnerships, and a commitment to shared prosperity, could have been that tipping point for Africa. And it still can be.

The success of such an approach would not require the erasure of national identities but rather the cultivation of a shared African identity that complements and strengthens the individual nations. This identity would be underpinned by the principles of cooperation, mutual respect, and a commitment to collective advancement—a philosophy that could unify the continent without diminishing the sovereignty of its states.

A functional framework of simultaneous jurisdiction would ensure that the central African authority could implement continent-wide policies efficiently while allowing states the flexibility to address local needs. This could include harmonized trade policies, a unified patent office, and standardized infrastructure projects that drive economic growth across borders. At the same time, individual states could retain control over cultural, educational, and local economic policies, fostering a sense of ownership and participation among their citizens.

A Vision for the Future: The Casablanca Approach Realized

The potential benefits of realizing the Casablanca vision today are immense. A united Africa could leverage its natural resources, youthful population, and strategic geographic position to become a central player in the global economy. By fostering strong partnerships with the United States, Europe, and the broader international community, Africa could secure a seat at the table where global economic decisions are made, ensuring that its interests are represented and respected.

Moreover, the integration of the African diaspora into this vision would create a powerful network of influence and opportunity that spans continents. The diaspora’s contributions to both Africa and their respective countries of residence would enrich cultural exchanges, deepen economic ties, and foster innovative collaborations. This could lead to a renaissance in African culture and thought, influencing global trends in art, technology, and governance.

For the United States, a strong and unified Africa would offer a reliable partner in a world where geopolitical tensions are increasingly centered around the control of resources, technology, and economic influence. By supporting Africa’s development and fostering mutually beneficial trade relationships, the U.S. could reduce its economic reliance on other regions, secure access to vital resources, and tap into a growing market of over a billion consumers.

Conclusion: The Path Forward

While the Casablanca Group’s vision remains a missed opportunity, it is one that can still be realized. The continent’s potential is undeniable, and the right combination of unity, sovereignty, and international partnerships could unlock unprecedented economic growth. By embracing both the boldness of the Casablanca approach and the pragmatism of the Monrovia Group, Africa can chart a path to a future where it is not merely a participant in the global economy but a leader.

The challenge lies in finding the political will, visionary leadership, and international support necessary to make this vision a reality. Africa’s journey towards unity and prosperity may be complex, but the rewards are too great to ignore. The question is not whether Africa can achieve this vision—it’s whether the world is ready for an Africa that does.