By Aliyu Yusuf
When I first read about the Trump administration’s decision to cut foreign aid and withdraw funding from global organisations like the WHO, my initial reaction was one of concern. After all, these policies directly impact countries like Nigeria, where foreign aid has long played a role in supporting healthcare, education, and other critical sectors. But as I sat with the news, I began to see it differently. What if this isn’t just a setback, but an opportunity? What if this moment forces us to confront an uncomfortable truth: that over-reliance on foreign aid has hindered us from fully tapping into our own potential?
I’ve always believed that Africa’s greatest strength lies in its people. Growing up in Nigeria, I’ve seen the resilience, creativity, and determination that define us. From the bustling markets of Lagos to the tech hubs of Yaba, there’s an energy here that can’t be ignored. Yet, for too long, we’ve looked outward for solutions to our problems, waiting for others to fund our development or dictate our priorities. The truth is, we don’t need to wait. We have everything we need to build a brighter future, right here, right now.
Let’s start with our natural resources. Africa is home to some of the world’s richest reserves of minerals, oil, and arable land. Yet, instead of processing these resources locally and creating value-added industries, we export them raw, only to buy back finished products at higher prices. This approach is economically unsustainable and deprives us of the opportunity to build thriving local industries. Imagine if we invested in refineries, factories, and agro-processing plants. Imagine the jobs we could create, the skills we could develop, and the revenue we could generate. This isn’t just a dream; it’s a possibility waiting to be realised.
Then there’s the issue of trade. For years, African nations have focused on trading with Europe, Asia, and the Americas, often neglecting the potential of intra-African trade. The African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) is a game-changer in this regard. By removing trade barriers and fostering regional cooperation, we can create a unified market of 1.3 billion people. This isn’t just about economics; it’s about building a sense of shared purpose and collective progress. When we trade with each other, we grow together.
But perhaps the most exciting opportunity lies in technology and innovation. Across the continent, young people are using their skills to solve local problems and create global impact. In Nigeria alone, fintech startups are revolutionising the way we bank, pay, and save. In Kenya, agritech solutions are helping farmers increase yields and access markets. These innovations aren’t just changing lives; they’re redefining what’s possible for Africa.
The question is, how can we scale these efforts? How can we create an ecosystem that supports and empowers our innovators? The answer lies in investment, not just from foreign donors, but from our own governments, private sector, and diaspora communities. The African diaspora, in particular, represents a vast reservoir of talent, capital, and networks that can drive transformative change if effectively harnessed.
Of course, none of this will happen without good governance. The lack of transparency and accountability in many African governments has been a major barrier to progress. As someone who has worked in communications and public relations, I know how important trust is. Leaders must prioritize the efficient use of resources, combat corruption through robust anti-graft measures, and build strong, independent institutions that serve the people and foster trust. This isn’t just about politics; it’s about creating an environment where businesses can thrive, where investors feel confident, and where citizens can see the tangible benefits of development.
The recent cuts in U.S. foreign aid and the withdrawal from the WHO have exposed the risks of over-reliance on external support. But they’ve also given us a chance to rethink our approach. Instead of viewing these policies as a threat, we should see them as a call to action. A call to invest in ourselves, to believe in our own potential, and to take control of our future.
I often think about Rwanda’s transformation after the 1994 genocide. Through visionary leadership and a commitment to self-reliance, the country has become a beacon of progress and innovation. Rwanda’s story shows that with determination and the right policies, even the most challenging circumstances can be overcome. If Rwanda can rise from the ashes of tragedy to become one of Africa’s most dynamic nations, what’s stopping the rest of us? The answer lies in our willingness to take bold action and embrace a new narrative of possibility.
Africa’s future is not something that will be handed to us; it’s something we must build ourselves. This moment, as challenging as it may seem, is an invitation to rethink, reimagine, and rebuild. It’s a chance to move beyond dependency and chart a new course, one that reflects our strengths, our values, and our aspirations. The time to act is now, and the power to shape our future lies within us.
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