Godwin Okafor*
In an era where nationalism is reshaping world politics, Africa is at a crossroads. The slogan “Make America Great Again” (MAGA) fundamentally changed the trajectory of the world, pulling the United States inward and prioritizing domestic interests over globalism. Europe is currently embracing a similar wave of nationalism, with policies emphasizing regional strength, self-sufficiency, and economic independence. As the West retreats from the world stage, the question arises: what are Africa’s 54 countries and their leaders doing? Isn’t it time to “make Africa great again”?
The death of globalism and Africa’s vulnerability
For decades, Africa has been at the mercy of a global economic structure that favors Western and Asian interests. The era of globalization, embraced by many African leaders as a path to economic growth, has made the continent primarily dependent on foreign aid, imports, and exploitative trade deals. Western countries and Asian powers extract African raw materials at minimal cost, manufacture high-value products, and sell them back to the continent at inflated prices. This economic cycle perpetuates dependence and inhibits local industry.
Africa finds itself increasingly sidelined from global economic planning as Western countries now turn inward, focusing on “Make Europe Great Again” and “America First” policies. The COVID-19 pandemic has made access to vaccines a political tool rather than a human right, exposing the risks of dependence. The Ukraine-Russia war further exposed Africa’s vulnerability as food and fuel shortages threw economies into chaos. The world is changing, but Africa remains reactive rather than proactive.
The Role of Leadership in Africa: Myopic and Selfish
One of Africa’s biggest setbacks is its leadership. Many African politicians prioritize personal wealth and power over national development. Corruption drains billions of dollars from the economy every year, draining resources that could be used to build industry, improve infrastructure, and develop homegrown innovation. Instead, African leaders continue to amass wealth in foreign bank accounts while their citizens suffer the loss of education, health care, and economic opportunities.
Instead of strengthening intra-African trade, leaders are still looking outward for solutions. The African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) offers an opportunity to break these chains, but implementation has been slow. If Africa wants to rise, it must first look within itself and invest in itself, not appease Western interests.
A continent ripe for an economic and cultural renaissance
Africa has a population of 1.4 billion, vast mineral resources and some of the world’s fastest growing economies. However, it continues to function more like a collection of fragmented states than a unified military. If European countries can push for economic self-sufficiency and manufacturing revival under the ideology of “Make Europe Great Again,” why can’t Africa do the same?
Building strong local industries should be at the heart of Africa’s recovery. Countries like China, once dependent on foreign manufacturing, have transformed into global powerhouses by prioritizing local production. Africa could do the same by investing in infrastructure, technology and education that are aligned with long-term development goals rather than foreign interests.
Africa is facing a cultural identity crisis. Globalization has eroded regional dialects, traditions, and values, replacing them with Western ideals that often do not match the continent’s social structure. African schools increasingly adopt Western curricula, African youth aspire to Western lifestyles, and indigenous languages are disappearing. result? A continent whose identity is collapsing and struggling to balance modernity and cultural preservation.
The way forward: A call to action
Making Africa great again requires a fundamental shift in policy and thinking. Here’s what you need to change:
1. Economic independence: African countries must prioritize local production, industrialization, and intra-African trade. Dependence on imported goods weakens national economies and sovereignty.
2. Leader Responsibility: Corrupt leaders must be held accountable for their actions. Strong governance, transparency and effective policies are essential.
3. Cultural Revival: African identity must be preserved. Educational reform needs to integrate African history, values and languages. Art, literature and media must celebrate African traditions rather than imitate Western narratives.
4. Strategic alliances: Africa must negotiate from a position of strength. Partnerships with China, Europe or the United States must be mutually beneficial, not exploitative.
5. Youth Empowerment: Africa’s youth are Africa’s greatest asset. Governments need to invest in education, technology and entrepreneurship to create opportunities to retain talent on the continent, rather than fostering brain drain.
The era of complacency is over. Africa cannot afford to play a passive role in the global realignment of power. As Western countries prioritize their own countries, it is time for Africa to do the same.
The message is clear. Let us make Africa great again through self-reliance, unity and visionary leadership, not dependence.
*Godwin Okafor is a journalist, CEO, and entrepreneur.
