Justice for Africa is not merely a slogan; it is a call to action that echoed powerfully in Addis Ababa during the 46th Ordinary Session of the Executive Council of the African Union (AU). At the heart of this gathering was a defining message: reparations for Africans and people of African descent are both a moral imperative and an economic necessity. This session on reparative justice highlighted Africa’s enduring colonial scars and the pressing need to address historical and systemic injustices.

Mr. Claver Gatete, United Nations Under-Secretary-General and Executive Secretary of the Economic Commission for Africa (ECA), delivered a compelling address on the structural inequalities that continue to hinder Africa’s economic growth. From the transatlantic slave trade to colonial-era resource extraction, Africa has suffered relentless economic dispossession. Yet, paradoxically, it remains one of the world’s most resource-rich continents. It holds 30% of the world’s mineral reserves, 40% of its gold, and up to 90% of its chromium and platinum. Additionally, 65% of the world’s arable land lies within its borders. Despite these vast resources, Africa accounts for less than 3% of global trade and only 1% of global manufacturing output—an economic imbalance that calls for urgent redress.

The historical context of this economic injustice is deeply rooted in Africa’s past. The Berlin Conference of 1884–85, orchestrated by European powers, led to the arbitrary partitioning of the continent, disregarding existing ethnic and political boundaries. This facilitated a system of forced labour and ruthless exploitation of Africa’s wealth. Under King Leopold II’s rule, for example, an estimated 10 million Congolese perished between 1885 and 1908 due to brutal colonial policies in the Congo Free State.

Similarly, the transatlantic slave trade, spanning the 16th to 19th centuries, forcibly removed millions of Africans from their homeland, stripping the continent of its human capital and leaving a legacy of suffering. The effects of these atrocities persist today in the form of systemic racism and global economic disparities.

The injustice extends beyond historical exploitation. Africa remains significantly under-represented in international financial institutions. The International Monetary Fund (IMF), for instance, allots the entire African continent the same voting share as Germany, despite its 54 sovereign nations. Additionally, biased credit rating systems label most African economies as high-risk, increasing borrowing costs and deepening cycles of debt.

One of the most striking economic paradoxes discussed during the session was Africa’s disproportionate burden in the fight against climate change. Despite contributing the least to global carbon emissions, Africa bears the brunt of climate disasters, losing up to 5% of its GDP to climate-related damages annually. Yet, from the US$10 trillion invested globally in clean energy between 2015 and 2022, Africa received just 2%. This glaring disparity underscores the need for equitable climate financing mechanisms that recognise Africa’s vulnerabilities and provide substantial funding for adaptation and mitigation.

To address these injustices, Mr. Gatete outlined five crucial pathways:

1. Reforming the Global Financial System—Advocating for debt restructuring, fair credit assessments, and greater African representation in global financial decision-making.
2. Harnessing the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA)—Strengthening intra-African trade, industrialisation, and regional value chains in a market of 1.5 billion people with a combined GDP of over US$3 trillion.
3. Maximising Resource Value Addition—Shifting from raw material exports to local processing industries that create jobs and economic growth for Africans.
4. Engaging the African Diaspora—Mobilising the global African community for economic investment, cultural partnerships, and heritage-based initiatives.
5. Fostering Free Movement and Regional Integration—Implementing the AU Protocol on Free Movement of Persons to unlock economic opportunities and unity.

Justice for Africa is not just about historical reparations—it is about reclaiming economic sovereignty, securing fair access to global markets, and dismantling structures that sustain African dependency. As Africa asserts its rightful place on the world stage, the AU’s commitment to reparative justice serves as both a rallying cry and a strategic blueprint. The time for action is now, and the world must listen.

King Richard Igimoh is an award-winning communication strategist with over two decades of experience in the field. He excels in Diplomacy, Journalism, Economic and International Affairs. As the Group Editor and a key member of the management team at the African Leadership Organisation, he continues to contribute significantly to promoting Africa’s dignity and opportunities globally

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Historically, Africa’s supply chains have centred on the extraction and export of raw materials—such as oil, minerals, agricultural produce, and timber—often with minimal value-added processing before reaching global markets. However, Africa’s logistical infrastructure, especially in rural and remote areas, has struggled to meet the demands of a fast-growing population and expanding middle class.

With Africa’s economic growth accelerating, there is a mounting emphasis on diversifying supply chains and developing more robust, self-sufficient systems capable of withstanding global shocks. This shift aims to reduce Africa’s dependency on foreign imports and build resilience against unforeseen global disruptions.

The COVID-19 pandemic starkly highlighted the fragility of global supply chains. Lockdowns, border closures, and factory shutdowns across the world caused severe disruptions for many African countries, particularly in accessing essential goods such as medical supplies and food. This experience underscored the need for Africa to bolster its supply chain resilience, diversify sourcing strategies, and invest in local manufacturing to reduce reliance on volatile global networks.

Trade conflicts among global powers, notably between the U.S. and China, have had ripple effects on African supply chains. As global trade flows grow increasingly unpredictable, African countries are re-evaluating their reliance on specific markets and suppliers. For instance, countries heavily dependent on Chinese imports or exports have had to adapt to changing tariffs, trade restrictions, and supply shortages. Additionally, Brexit and shifts in European Union trade policies have impacted African exporters, particularly those benefiting from preferential trade agreements with the EU.

Africa’s vulnerability to climate change is another critical issue. The continent’s agriculture, water resources, and infrastructure are already strained due to rising temperatures, droughts, floods, and erratic weather patterns. Given Africa’s reliance on natural resources such as timber, minerals, and fossil fuels, addressing these environmental challenges is crucial. Building climate-resilient supply chains that can absorb environmental shocks is an urgent priority to secure Africa’s future.

Advancements in technology—such as automation, artificial intelligence, blockchain, and the Internet of Things (IoT)—are also reshaping supply chain operations. While the adoption of digital tools across the continent remains uneven, there is considerable progress in mobile banking, e-commerce, and logistics. The potential for technology to revolutionise Africa’s supply chains is especially significant in sectors like agriculture, where digital platforms for farmers, drones for crop monitoring, and blockchain for traceability are already making tangible impacts.

The African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), established in 2021, represents a pivotal step in Africa’s move toward a more integrated and self-sufficient economy. By eliminating tariffs and reducing trade barriers within Africa, the agreement promotes intra-continental trade and lessens reliance on external markets. AfCFTA is expected to strengthen Africa’s internal supply chains by boosting the movement of goods, services, and capital across borders.

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Africa’s infrastructure deficit remains a major impediment to efficient supply chains. However, regional projects like the African Union’s Programme for Infrastructure Development (PIDA) and the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI), especially in countries such as Kenya, Ethiopia, and Nigeria, are making headway in enhancing transportation networks, logistics, and digital connectivity. The development of ports, railways, and highways is essential for fostering Africa’s internal trade, reducing logistical costs, and improving access to global markets.

The challenges Africa faces in the 21st century pose substantial risks to its supply chains. Transforming the continent’s supply chain landscape will require a focus on regional integration, infrastructure upgrades, support for local manufacturing, and the adoption of sustainable digital technologies. As the world evolves, Africa’s ability to navigate and adapt to these challenges will be instrumental in defining its role within the global economy—and in harnessing the vast potential of its youthful, dynamic, and entrepreneurial population.

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