The enduring impact of colonialism is a multifaceted phenomenon, with far-reaching consequences that continue to affect many nations today. The exploitation of natural resources, the disruption of indigenous systems, and the perpetuation of unequal relationships have all contributed to a complex and challenging situation.
The colonial powers’ actions can be seen as a deliberate strategy, whereby they extracted (in some cases continue to extract) resources, undermined local institutions, and created a reliance on external support. Consequently, many of these countries are now grappling with the aftermath, often finding themselves compelled to seek assistance from the very powers that contributed to their predicament.
The persistence of neocolonial practices serves as a stark reminder that the pursuit of genuine independence and freedom remains an ongoing struggle. In light of these challenges, it is essential to consider viable strategies for escaping these cycles of dependency and fostering sustainable development.
THE MYTH OF A BEGGAR CONTINENT
The notion that Africa is a “beggar continent” is a profound misrepresentation of its true status. In reality, Africa is endowed with an abundance of natural resources, with various regions boasting a diverse array of minerals, including cobalt, gold, diamonds, and oil, among others. This wealth of resources underscores the continent’s immense economic potential and challenges the prevailing narrative of Africa as a poverty-stricken and aid-dependent region.
Notwithstanding its rich resource base, Africa continues to grapple with the consequences of exploitation, as its resources are extracted and utilized to fuel external growth and development. The paradox of Africa’s resource wealth juxtaposed with widespread poverty and underdevelopment is a stark reality that warrants critical examination. The continent’s people, meanwhile, remain marginalized, with limited access to quality education, healthcare, and economic opportunities.
A more accurate interpretation of Africa’s predicament is that it is being systematically looted, with its resources being exploited to sustain external economies, while its own development is stunted. This phenomenon is perpetuated by a complex web of historical, economic, and political factors, including the legacy of colonialism, unequal trade relationships, and corrupt governance structures.
Reexamining The Global Economic Order
To address this issue, it is essential to reexamine the global economic order and the power dynamics that govern Africa’s engagement with the world. By acknowledging Africa’s true wealth and potential, acknowledging how the continent remains enslaved and addressing the systemic inequalities that perpetuate its exploitation, it may be possible to forge a more equitable and sustainable path to development. Ultimately, this will require a concerted effort from African governments, civil society, and the international community to challenge dominant narratives and promote a more just and equitable global economic order.
Continuous Exploitation Through Cobalt, Gold, Diamond, Etc.
The cobalt that powers our smartphones, the gold that adorns Western necks, and the diamonds that sparkle in European engagement rings all tell a story of exploitation. These resources, extracted from African soil, are even sold back to Africans at inflated prices, perpetuating a cycle of poverty and inequality.
The Journey of Cobalt
The benefiting countries do not care about the implications that it has for local populations.
Take the cell phone industry’s insatiable demand for metals like cobalt, coltan, and lithium, often mined in Africa. These resources are crucial for battery production, yet the extraction process raises concerns about environmental degradation, labour exploitation, and unequal distribution of wealth. African nations rich in these resources, such as the Democratic Republic of Congo and countries in the Sahel region, often struggle with poverty, corruption, and human rights abuses, while the global North reaps the benefits of cheap electronics.
The journey of cobalt from a mine in the Democratic Republic of Congo to a Samsung or iPhone in New York is a stark illustration of this exploitation.
Artisanal miners, including children, work in hazardous conditions to extract the metal, which is then sold to local traders and eventually refined and processed. The cobalt is then used to produce lithium-ion batteries, which power the very devices that have become essential to many people’s daily lives.
As you read this piece, someone may have died defending his country against unapologetic colonialists who wanted to resell its cobalt as the smartphone that you may be reading from. That cobalt may be a product of child labour denying an innocent soul of an opportunity to attend school.
Some suggest that if you buy something stolen you become an accessory to the crime. How many of us (equally victims) are accessories to the crime of theft of our own countries’ resources? By the way, the merchants are known for cruelty since the discovery of these metals in Africa.
Theft of Permanent Wealth
When they ‘decolonised’ from Africa they never returned what belonged to the continent. Today it continues to provide strength to their economies.
They stole value that was permanent in character from Africa. Every piece of gold that they shipped out of Africa was an equivalent devaluation of this continent and country.
Gold and diamonds are durable commodities that don’t degrade or expire, making them valuable stores of wealth across time. The gold sold in 1850 is indeed still valuable today, and its value has likely appreciated significantly. It is unlike a car you buy today and next year it’s worth half the price. It does not depreciate, it appreciates. It is transferred between generations and Reserve Banks use it to strengthen their currency. Europe, at different episodes historically and recently, looted billions of worths of African minerals to build their economies. France looted 125 tons of gold from Burkina Faso between 2012 and 2016. This durability contributes to gold’s appeal as a store of value and investment asset. South Africa dates back to the 1800s.
Diamonds, too, are prized for their rarity and durability, making them valuable for jewellery and industrial applications. The fact that these commodities retain value over time highlights the importance of responsible management and equitable distribution of resources. It also underscores the significance of rethinking our relationship with these resources, prioritizing sustainability, fairness, and human well-being.
The concentration of gold and diamond reserves in certain countries, often as a result of historical and systemic inequalities, raises questions about the global economic system. It sparks debates about fair trade, responsible sourcing, and the need for more equitable economic structures. As consumers, it’s essential to consider the origins and impact of these precious commodities.
Further Theft in Disguise
A presence can also be seen as a subtle form of neocolonialism, with European interests and values being imposed on African societies. This has lead to the erosion of African identity, the suppression of indigenous knowledge, and the marginalization of local voices. Our valuation of living is based on the foreigners definition of quality that in reality continuously perpetuates our second layer or beggar status.
World is Clubbing Against Africa
The global economic system is rigged against Africa. The World Trade Organization’s rules, the International Monetary Fund’s policies, and the World Bank’s prescriptions all seem designed to keep Africa in a state of dependency.
The Neo-colonial Trap
The phenomenon of African nations’ struggles to develop despite their abundant resources, and their concomitant vulnerability to external influence, can be attributed to the pervasive neocolonial structures that underpin global trade and finance. These structures, often cloaked in the guise of neutrality or benevolence, perpetuate asymmetrical relationships between African nations and external powers, thereby constraining the former’s ability to chart their own development trajectory. Beneath the investment façade lies a more sinister agenda – to exploit Africa’s resources, impose their values, and maintain control over the continent’s destiny.
The manifestations of these neocolonial structures are multifaceted, encompassing unfair trade agreements that prioritize external interests over African development needs, debt traps that ensnare nations in cycles of dependency, limited access to technology and markets, and governance frameworks that privilege external concerns over domestic priorities. These structures are perpetuated by a complex interplay of historical, economic, and political factors, including the legacy of colonialism, unequal power relations, and the actions of external actors.
The consequences of these neocolonial structures are profound, limiting African nations’ policy space, undermining their sovereignty, and stifling their development potential. To extricate themselves from these constraints, African nations must undertake a concerted effort to renegotiate trade agreements, diversify their economies, strengthen regional cooperation, foster domestic resource mobilization, and challenge unfair global governance frameworks.
What is obvious is that growth, strength and power, though hidden beneath soon will quantify the currently challenged exterior. The current Economic parasites in Africa are in the form of entities that have been quietly influencing the state of politics, culture, relations and the economy.
TIME FOR PRACTICAL CHANGE
Have we not theorized sufficiently about how much we need to attain true freedom?
It’s time for Africa to reclaim its narrative, to renegotiate the terms of its engagement with the global economy, and to prioritize its own development. The continent’s future depends on it. The world depends on it.
The lion’s cub is growing; it’s time for sharper fangs. Africa’s timeouts come. We have theorized about it for ages. Let us rise up, take control, and forge a new path.
Prioritising Local Capacity
A viable strategy for reducing reliance on external actors and fostering sustainable development involves prioritizing local capacity building, investing in education, and promoting economic diversification. By strengthening domestic capabilities, nations can enhance their ability to manage and benefit from their natural resources, develop diversified economies that are resilient to external shocks, foster innovation and entrepreneurship, and improve governance and institutional effectiveness.
The development of human capital through education is a critical component of this approach, as it enables the acquisition of skills, promotes critical thinking and problem-solving, and supports the adoption of new technologies. By prioritizing education, nations can establish a foundation for long-term economic growth and sustainable development.
Furthermore, economic diversification can facilitate structural transformation, enabling nations to move beyond reliance on primary commodity exports and capture more value-added opportunities within global value chains. This, in turn, can drive economic growth, reduce poverty, and promote inclusive development. By adopting this approach, nations can cultivate a more resilient and self-sufficient economy, better equipped to navigate the complexities of the global economy.
The identification and scaling up of successful African-led initiatives and models is another promising area. Across the continent, innovative solutions and approaches are being developed to address specific challenges and promote sustainable development. By highlighting and supporting these efforts, it is possible to create positive momentum and promote economic diversification.
Regional Co-operation
The cultivation of regional cooperation and the strengthening of international partnerships predicated on mutual respect and cooperation can significantly contribute to the establishment of a more equitable global environment. Regional organizations, such as the Southern African Development Community (SADC) and the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), can play a pivotal role in promoting economic integration, cooperation, and development among member states. But they need more teeth to bite and dictate what the regions need.
Through these regional entities, African nations can enhance economic cooperation and trade, thereby promoting economic growth and development. Additionally, they can address common challenges and shared concerns, such as security, climate change, and pandemics, while strengthening their bargaining power in international negotiations, enabling them to more effectively advocate for their interests. Furthermore, these regional blocs can foster a sense of solidarity and shared identity, promoting peace and stability within the region.
By reinforcing regional cooperation and international partnerships, African nations can create a more conducive environment for sustainable development, reduce their reliance on external actors, and promote a more equitable global order, ultimately contributing to the advancement of their collective interests and priorities.
Policy Reform
The formulation and implementation of policy reforms at national and international levels is a critical area for exploration. Systemic inequalities and unequal power dynamics have perpetuated Africa’s exploitation, and addressing these issues requires a concerted effort to reform existing frameworks. This could involve renegotiating trade agreements, strengthening regulatory frameworks, and promoting transparency and accountability in resource extraction and trade.
Mechanisms for Holding Global Merchants Accountable
Mechanisms for holding corporations and governments accountable for exploitative practices are also vital. The legacy of colonialism has created a culture of impunity, and addressing this requires a commitment to transparency and accountability. By promoting greater transparency and accountability, it is possible to create a more equitable and just global order.
BREAK FREE FROM THE LEGACY OF COLONIALISM
The process of transcending the legacy of colonialism necessitates a concerted effort on the part of governments, civil society, and the international community to address the historical injustices and ongoing inequalities that perpetuate these cycles of dependency. This endeavour requires a comprehensive approach, encompassing the acknowledgement of past injustices and their enduring impacts, the promotion of reparative justice and compensation for past exploitation as well as the fostering of regional cooperation and solidarity among affected nations.
Ultimately, the efficacy of this approach will depend on the ability of these stakeholders to engage in a critical examination of the existing power dynamics and structural inequalities that have perpetuated colonial-era disparities, and to work collaboratively towards the creation of a more equitable and just global order.
Masikubulele ngokufunda oku!!!