Can Africa break free from Western models of governance and development and reset and repackage for a brighter future ?
By Ambasaador Kabs Kanu
We have learnt our lessons in Africa. Sociopolitical and economic developments in the West and other parts of the world are forcing African nations to rethink their socioeconomic and political trajectory.
THE AFRICAN UNION IN SESSION
In November, the African Union ( AU) took part in the G20 Summit as a full member for the first time.
The G20 (Group of Twenty) is a forum of 19 countries and two regional bodies, the European Union and the African Union, that meets regularly to discuss global economic issues. Together, these entities represent a large portion of the world’s GDP, trade, and population. The G20 was formed in 1999 after the Asian financial crisis and has since evolved into a major platform for international cooperation on economic matters. . Together, these entities represent a large portion of the world’s GDP, trade, and population. The G20 was formed in 1999 after the Asian financial crisis and has since evolved into a major platform for international cooperation on economic matters. Members:
The G20 includes 19 countries (Argentina, Australia, Brazil, Canada, China, France, Germany, India, Indonesia, Italy, Japan, Mexico, Russia, Saudi Arabia, South Africa, South Korea, Turkey, the UK, and the US) plus the European Union and the African Union.
Africa produced a strong voice during the November Summit and along with other countries called for a fairer international financial system , debt relief and measures to safeguard the interests of developing countries. For Africa’s pains, South Africa was made President of the G20 on December 1.
At the time, Balew Demissie, Ethiopia’s Communication and Publication Consultant at the country’s Policy Studies Institute , said that Though its participation, the AU can address challenges such as poverty, underdevelopment and climate vulnerability, while strengthening regional solidarity and increasing Africa’s influence on global policy decisions “.
Political analysts observed that Africa is ” reassessing its development trajectory , seeking to break free from the constraints of Western development models and striving for political, economic and cultural independence , a shift often described as AFRICA’S SECOND AWAKENING since the national liberation movements in the mid- to- late 20th Century “, according to the China Daily.
However, it will be a process fraught with lots of challenges given the poor and inept leadership, tribal and ethnic conflicts, disunity and undemocratic proclivities of African leaders.But there is nothing wrong in Africa trying. The continent has seen the necessity to delink from Western neocolonialistic models of nation- building and national development.
What is now needed are the moral and political will and the genius minds to craft models that are in consonance with our history , culture and aspirations.
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