Africa: A New Hope for Africa
While Europe, the Far East, and the US plunge ever deeper into economic crisis, Africa is quietly realizing a vision delayed more than 40 years. A few weeks ago, three large regional economic trade blocs: COMESA (Common Market for East and Southern Africa), SADC (Southern African Development Community), and the EAC (East African Community) joined together to form one large free trade area. Twenty-six countries compose this new economic alliance and although most of Africa in the west and north are not yet included, this is an important step to economic unity.
It is no secret to the world that Africa is far behind in terms of economic and political growth and maturity. The shameless exploitation of our natural resources by the West and China combined with the ineptness and blatant corruption of many of our leaders has proven to be a lethal combination in the continued colonialism of Africa.
This union is an attempt by some African countries to fix the current problem. Through this improved economic and customs union, it may be possible for Africa to have more control over our economies in order to ensure that the people and not just the upper class benefit. By removing trade barriers that restrict the movement of goods and services, we Africans are trying to stimulate economic growth independent of foreign (i.e. Western) influence. This new union brings together around 300 million people and an estimated GDP of $630 billion into one trade bloc which has enormous potential for growth. (Figures from bbc.co.uk).
With this new economic unity, it is now possible for us to negotiate with organizations like the EU and NAFTA, and large countries like the US, India, and China on a more equal level. Previously, these large countries and unions were able to isolate one or two countries and impose prices, development plans, and the distribution of benefits on them with little trouble. Now this will be more difficult for the so-called “great powers” of the world as Africans are coming to the negotiating table more united, ensuring that we are listened to and respected. This will allow us to have a better position in bargaining, and perhaps it will enable us to get better prices for our goods and ensure a diversification of our economies from the heavy dependence on the extraction of natural resources.
With this new union, it will be easier for us to set our own standards for development, and, with an integrated economy, we can all develop together. By concentrating on our own priorities for development, Africa can develop the way Africa needs to develop and not the way Europe or America wishes us to develop. The mistake of many African countries during and shortly after their independence was, and still is, the reliance on Western economic development models for growth. We had forgotten that we are not Europeans and were blind to fact that these so-called development models were actually dependency models. This new union could enable Africa to break with these exploitative policies and start catering to the needs and wants of its people. Too long have the people of Africa been low on the list of beneficiaries to the wealth of their nations. They have always had to wait for the Europeans, the Americans, or the Chinese, and corrupt government officials to get their share before they are allowed to have what remains. This must stop now, and it is my belief that this new economic union is a step in the right direction.
However, the true importance of this union is that it can be seen as a progression towards political unity on the African continent. The next steps to achieve this ultimate endgame would be the initiation of a better customs union, the establishment of a monetary union, and, finally, progression into a unified political entity.
The first major step has been taken, and now it is up to our leaders to lead and for development to start up again at a pace, and in a direction, that benefits Africans.
Although many challenges still await the African continent, this is a step in the right direction. I am not a fool to believe that this union will instantly solve all of Africa’s problems and that it means all leaders have finally realized what is important, but I am excited because it offers hope that the dream of people like Kwame Nkrumah and Sekou Toure about a United States of Africa can become reality. The challenges are known, and we must understand that certain actors within the US, Europe, China, and others outside the continent and within will do whatever it takes to prevent this dream from becoming reality. They should know that their time of dominance, oppression and almost Messiah-like influence is coming to an end, and there will be no place to hide when Africa comes storming into the developed world, free from the chains of oppression.
(maneno)