Mass mortality due to the cessation of aid. Economic subjugation through import tariffs. Tighter visa rules and travel bans. It requires excessive optimism to discern anything positive amid US President Donald Trump’s plethora of decrees affecting Africa. Yet, the prompt surrender by some African leaders may do little to map out a way forward for the continent. Zimbabwean President Mnangagwa’s offer to Trump to withdraw all import tariffs on US goods won’t help his country. The same can be said for the DRC, where President Tshisekedi put Trump’s new envoy to Africa, Massad Boulos, in charge of cobalt, lithium, and copper. Or for the Somaliland rulers who promised the US a lease on its ports and airstrips.
Could African countries not, instead, hurry to ratify and implement treaties that open the African single market? Could leaders not move faster to diversify economies, build effective tax collection systems, and eradicate corruption? Several independent media outlets across the continent have quoted analysts saying it is high time African governments get their own healthcare and education structures in order, rather than continue to depend on aid.
African leaders certainly have a responsibility to minimise the damage inflicted by imperialist powers in the short term. But it is important not to lose sight of more far-reaching scenarios.
ZAM Team
