The economic and political vortex for Africa’s development will come from within: all others should be enablers

By Fidel Amakye Owusu

The global competition for influence in Africa and its potential benefits for various international players has become a key issue in recent geopolitical debates.

Responses to my earlier discussions have shown differing views on how African nations should approach development and socio-economic transformation.

Some advocate for a pro-Western stance, emphasizing the importance of democratic values and principles in fostering stability and growth. Others point to the East, particularly China’s growing influence, suggesting African countries should align with BRICS.

A third perspective calls for a neutral position, echoing the words of Ghana’s first president from the 1960s: “We face neither East nor West; We face forward.” This approach encourages engagement with both sides while prioritizing national interests.

So, what does this mean for Africa?

In my view, African nations should embrace democratic principles. Given the multi-ethnic and multicultural fabric of most countries on the continent, democracy provides the best framework for ensuring fair representation in the nation-building process.

We face neither East nor West; We face forward

On the economic front, I believe Africa’s largest economies have the capacity to create an environment where smaller economies can thrive. Countries like South Africa, Egypt, Nigeria, Algeria, Ethiopia, Morocco, and Kenya, despite their challenges, possess the necessary attributes to drive the continent forward. Just as Germany, France, and Italy play leading roles in the European Union’s economy, Africa’s economic powerhouses can steer the continent’s growth.

This leadership, though informal, could be coordinated to benefit smaller economies. Transnational infrastructure projects, economic partnerships, security collaborations, and support for economic development are examples of initiatives that could be pursued.

Effective leadership will be key to realizing these ambitions. For instance, Nigeria could lead the development of a transnational railway system connecting Lagos to major West African cities, while Ethiopia and Kenya could spearhead similar efforts in the Horn of Africa, sparking regional transformation.

It is unrealistic to expect all African nations to operate on an equal footing. The interests of smaller economies should be acknowledged, but larger countries must take the lead in guiding Africa’s progress.

Ultimately, any external partnerships should come second to a unified African leadership spearheaded by the continent’s key players. Before aligning with outside initiatives, Africa must first strengthen its internal unity and ensure that its leading nations are worthy of guiding the rest.

Fidel Amakye Owusu is an International Relations and Security Analyst. He is an Associate at the Conflict Research Consortium for Africa and has previously hosted an International Affairs program with the Ghana Broadcasting Corporation (GBC). He is passionate about Diplomacy and realizing Africa’s global potential and how the continent should be viewed as part of the global collective.