COLUMN: A ROBUST THINK TANK FOR AFRICA

#A New Crop of African Leaders: A Hope for Pan-Africanism and African Renaissance

By Dr. Francis Chisembe Chishala

LUSAKA - Wednesday-13th January: The emergence of a new generation of African leaders has sparked hope for a return to the roots of Pan-Africanism and the African Renaissance. Figures such as Thabo Mbeki, Samuel Samoa Ruto, Julius Malema, Paul Kagame, Prof. Patrice Lumumba, Mo Ibrahim, and Cyril Ramaphosa have been vocal about their vision of eradicating borders, waiver visa requirements, and establishing a common currency in Africa. These ideas inspire hope for a self-determined and self-sustaining Africa.

Pan-Africanism, a philosophy that advocates for the unity and solidarity of African people, has long been a driving force in the continent's history. It seeks to overcome the divisions imposed by colonialism and foster a sense of shared identity and purpose among Africans.

The new crop of leaders, with their emphasis on erasing borders and promoting unity, aligns with the principles of Pan-Africanism.? Furthermore, the concept of the African Renaissance, which emphasizes the revitalization and development of Africa, is gaining momentum. The leaders' focus on self-determination and self-sustainability reflects the desire to break free from dependency on external powers and create a prosperous Africa for its people.

The vision of a united Africa, with a common currency and abolished visa requirements, holds immense potential for economic growth and development. It would facilitate trade, investment, and collaboration among African nations, leading to increased prosperity and stability.?

While challenges and obstacles remain, the call and actions of these leaders give hope for a brighter future for Africa. The commitment to Pan-Africanism and the African Renaissance is a step towards reclaiming Africa's agency and shaping its own destiny.

Most criteria used to assess or define development and modernization in relation to Africa are relevant and Western-centric in mind-set. Even the classification of nations into first-world, second-world, and third-world is contentious because it is based on say technology, gross domestic product (GDP), infrastructure development, and other external factors beyond human index capital (HIC) and human happiness.

We can have institutions endorsed by the so-called developed nations hiding behind neo-colonialism propelling their self-interest and exploiting developing nations. We have prescribed IMF and World Bank conditionality that has always exerted our underdevelopment and always brought us back in a circle of waste than we were before.

We need Africa to define development and create our own model of institutional management that speaks to our African reality. They say: “Don't give a man or woman a fish but teach her to fish.” The colonial-styled education we inherited in Africa has a specific circular that was tailored to keep us dependent on our colonial masters for their continuous exploitation.

The curriculum for settler’s children was far better than for us Africans. Imagine being taught to master parts of a grasshopper or lizard or bird, for what skill development or intellectual astuteness?

We need to invest in skill development critical thinking and an entrepreneurial mind-set deeply rooted in an ethical approach. We need creative minds and people who are self-motivated to take initiative and transform lives. Small and medium-scale entrepreneurs will influence development defined by our ingenuity and addressing our realities.

Higher institutions of learning should not remain in oblivion in " intellectual towers" (Pie in the Sky mind-set) disconnected from material reality in their communities. These institutions should operate in a contextual reality addressing and solving recurring problems. Some institutions in Africa are just irrelevant to society as their contributions are equal to Zero.

We have to rethink our approach to problem-solving. It is for this reason that I would propose that African intelligence reflect and tap on a rich intellectual body of knowledge deposited in the philosophy of African Renaissance and Pan-Africanism.

The African Intelligential should revisit and tap into the vision and mind-set of Pan-Africanism and African Renaissance to map a new trajectory for the continent.

The African continent has long been plagued by various challenges, including poverty, political instability, and underdevelopment. To overcome these obstacles and pave the way for a brighter future, the African intelligentsia must revisit and tap into the vision and mind-set of Pan-Africanism and the African Renaissance. By doing so, they can chart a new trajectory for the continent, one that is rooted in unity, self-determination, and progress.

Pan-Africanism, which emerged in the early 20th century, advocates for the unity and solidarity of all Africans, both on the continent and in the diaspora. It emphasizes the importance of African self-reliance and the need to challenge the legacy of colonialism and imperialism.

By revisiting the principles of Pan-Africanism, the African intelligentsia can foster a sense of collective identity and purpose among Africans, transcending national boundaries and working towards common goals.

Similarly, the concept of the African Renaissance, popularized by former South African President Thabo Mbeki, calls for a rebirth and revitalization of the African continent. It encourages Africans to take ownership of their destiny and work towards socio-economic and political transformation.

By tapping into the mind-set of the African Renaissance, the African intelligentsia can inspire a renewed sense of agency and empowerment among Africans, encouraging them to actively participate in shaping their future.? In mapping a new trajectory for the continent, the African intelligentsia must prioritize key areas such as education, governance, and economic development.

Education is the foundation upon which progress is built, and investing in quality education for all Africans is essential for unlocking the continent's potential. Good governance, characterized by transparency, accountability, and the rule of law, is crucial for creating an enabling environment for development. Lastly, economic development must be inclusive and sustainable, ensuring that the benefits are shared by all Africans.

In conclusion, the African intelligentsia has a critical role to play in shaping the future of the continent. By revisiting and tapping into the vision and mind-set of Pan-Africanism and African Renaissance, they can inspire a new generation of Africans to work towards a brighter future. Through unity, self-determination, and a commitment to progress, the African continent can overcome its challenges and emerge as a global powerhouse. It is time for the African intelligentsia to lead the way and map a new trajectory for Africa.

About the Author: Dr. Francis Chisembe Chishala is an author –cum-academician.? He holds degrees in Philosophy, media theory and practice, communication management, theology, narrative journalism and currently completing an MSc in International Relations with the University of East London, UK with UNICAF and DBM Communications Management with Swiss Online Business School.