It’s time to make Africa great again

By Godwin Okafor*

In an era where nationalism is reshaping global politics, Africa stands at a crossroads. The slogan « Make America Great Again » (MAGA) fundamentally shifted the world’s trajectory, pulling the United States inward, prioritizing domestic interests over globalism. Europe, too, is now embracing a similar nationalist wave, with policies that emphasize regional strength, self-sufficiency, and economic independence. As the West retreats from the global stage, the question arises: What are Africa’s 54 nations and their leaders doing? Is it not time to « Make Africa Great Again »?

The Death of Globalism and Africa’s Vulnerability

For decades, Africa has been at the mercy of global economic structures that have prioritized Western and Asian interests. The era of globalization, which many African leaders embraced as a pathway to economic growth, has instead left the continent largely dependent on foreign aid, imported goods, and exploitative trade agreements. Western and Asian powers extract Africa’s raw materials at minimal cost, manufacture high-value products, and sell them back to the continent at inflated prices. This economic cycle perpetuates dependency and stunts local industries.

As the West now turns inward, focusing on « Making Europe Great Again » and « America First » policies, Africa finds itself increasingly sidelined in global economic planning. The COVID-19 pandemic exposed the risks of dependency when vaccine access became a political tool rather than a human right. The Ukraine-Russia war further demonstrated Africa’s vulnerability, with food and fuel shortages sending economies into turmoil. The world is shifting, but Africa remains largely reactive rather than proactive.

The Role of African Leadership: Short-Sighted and Self-Serving

One of Africa’s greatest setbacks has been its leadership. Many African politicians prioritize personal wealth and power over national development. Corruption drains billions from economies annually, resources that could be used to build industries, improve infrastructure, and develop homegrown technological innovations. Instead, African leaders continue to amass wealth in foreign bank accounts while their citizens struggle with failing education, healthcare, and economic opportunities.

Instead of strengthening intra-African trade, leaders still look outward for solutions. The African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) presents an opportunity to break these chains, but implementation has been sluggish. If Africa is to rise, it must first look within and invest in itself, not in appeasing Western interests.

A Continent Ripe for Economic and Cultural Renaissance

Africa is home to 1.4 billion people, vast mineral wealth, and some of the fastest-growing economies in the world. Yet, it continues to function more like a collection of fragmented states than a unified force. If European nations can push for economic self-sufficiency and manufacturing resurgence under the « Make Europe Great Again » ideology, why can’t Africa do the same?

Building strong local industries should be at the heart of Africa’s revival. Nations like China, which was once reliant on foreign manufacturing, transformed itself into a global powerhouse by prioritizing local production. Africa can do the same by investing in infrastructure, technology, and education that aligns with its long-term development goals rather than foreign interests.

Culturally, Africa faces an identity crisis. Globalization has eroded local dialects, traditions, and values, replacing them with Western ideals that often do not align with the continent’s societal structures. African schools increasingly adopt Western curricula, young Africans aspire to Western lifestyles, and indigenous languages are dying out. The result? A continent with a fractured identity, struggling to balance modernity with cultural preservation.

The Path Forward: A Call to Action

To « Make Africa Great Again, » a radical shift in policy and mindset is required. Here’s what needs to change:

1. Economic Independence: African nations must prioritize local production, industrialization, and intra-African trade. Dependence on imported goods weakens national economies and sovereignty.

2. Leadership Accountability: Corrupt leaders must be held responsible for their actions. Strong governance, transparency, and effective policies are crucial.

3. Cultural Revival: African identity must be preserved. Educational reforms should integrate African history, values, and languages. The arts, literature, and media must celebrate African heritage rather than mimic Western narratives.

4. Strategic Alliances: Africa must negotiate from a position of strength. Partnerships with China, Europe, or the U.S. should be mutually beneficial rather than exploitative.

5. Youth Empowerment: Africa’s youth are its greatest asset. Governments must invest in education, technology, and entrepreneurship to create opportunities that keep talent within the continent rather than fueling brain drain.

The time for complacency is over. Africa cannot afford to be a passive player in the global realignment of power. As Western nations prioritize themselves, it is time for Africa to do the same.

The message is clear: Make Africa Great Again, not through dependency, but through self-reliance, unity, and visionary leadership.

*Godwin Okafor is journalist & CEO, entrepreneur.