The international governance system, as embodied by institutions such as the United Nations (UN), World Bank, and International Monetary Fund (IMF), has not always fulfilled its promises to Africa. Although Africa comprises 54 countries and accounts for nearly 28% of the UN General Assembly, its influence remains marginal in key decision-making processes such as the UN Security Council, where only five countries hold permanent, veto-wielding seats.

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Economic participation in global governance tells a similar story. Africa contributes less than 4% to global GDP yet bears a disproportionate debt burden, with countries such as Ghana and Zambia struggling under external debt often tied to restrictive conditions. This imbalance underscores the need for a governance system that reflects Africa’s realities, opportunities, and challenges.

In the symphony of global governance, Africa’s voice often resembles a whisper struggling to be heard over the crescendos of more dominant players. This imbalance calls for systemic changes, akin to redistributing the musical score so that all sections, including Africa, can harmonise effectively.

Multilateral institutions such as the IMF and World Bank have initiated reforms, but more is needed. According to a 2022 Brookings report, while Africa is home to over 16% of the global population, its voting power in the IMF stands at just 6%. Structural changes to these institutions are crucial to enable African nations to advocate for policies that reflect their development priorities, from infrastructure funding to debt restructuring.

The IMF’s Special Drawing Rights (SDRs), allocated in 2021, provided a glimpse of progress, with $33 billion directed to African nations. Yet, critics argue that these allocations are insufficient, particularly when compared to the $650 billion issued globally. A more equitable SDR redistribution could provide African countries with the fiscal space needed to invest in health, education, and renewable energy.

Debt Sustainability: A Looming Shadow

Africa’s debt crisis epitomises the shortcomings of the global governance system. More than 22 African nations are either in debt distress or at high risk. Innovative mechanisms such as debt-for-climate swaps, which exchange debt relief for investments in green projects, are gaining traction. For instance, Seychelles successfully piloted such a programme, protecting its marine biodiversity while reducing its debt burden.

Climate Change

Africa contributes less than 4% of global greenhouse gas emissions yet bears the brunt of climate change, from desertification in the Sahel to flooding in Mozambique. The global governance system must prioritise climate justice by ensuring developed nations fulfil their $100 billion annual climate finance pledge. Additionally, initiatives such as the African Climate Summit, hosted in Kenya in 2023, highlight the continent’s proactive stance in shaping global climate policy.

Trade and Economic Growth

The African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) represents a beacon of hope for intra-African trade, which currently stands at a mere 18%, compared to 58% in Asia and 68% in Europe. By reducing tariffs and streamlining trade processes, AfCFTA could boost Africa’s combined GDP by $450 billion by 2035, according to the World Bank. However, global governance systems must support this initiative through fair trade policies and capacity-building programmes.

Technology and Innovation

Africa’s technological landscape is evolving rapidly, with startups across the continent attracting $4.85 billion in funding in 2022—a tenfold increase from 2015. To harness this potential, global governance systems should facilitate technology transfer, capacity building, and infrastructure development. Programmes such as the UN’s “Digital Cooperation Roadmap” are a step in the right direction but require stronger implementation.

Way Forward: A New Global Compact

The path to a fairer global governance system requires more than reforms; it demands a paradigm shift. Africa’s leaders must unite in their advocacy, leveraging regional bodies such as the African Union (AU) to negotiate as a bloc. Meanwhile, developed nations must recognise that a prosperous Africa is not just a moral imperative but an economic and geopolitical necessity.

The global governance system, much like a puzzle, remains incomplete without Africa’s full and equitable participation. By amplifying Africa’s voice and addressing systemic inequities, the international community can turn the current whisper into a resounding melody that benefits all.

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Today, despite decades of independence, Africa’s political map still reflects this imposed fragmentation, stifling the dream of true unity. According to the African Union (AU), intra-African trade accounts for just 16% of the continent’s total trade volume—a stark contrast to Europe’s 68% and Asia’s 59%. This is not just a statistic; it is a reality that defines Africa’s fractured economic and political landscape.

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African Union or African Disunion?

The AU, established in 2001 to replace the Organisation of African Unity (OAU), was envisioned as the bedrock for African solidarity. Yet, two decades later, the vision of a politically and economically integrated Africa remains elusive. While the AU has made strides in conflict resolution, notably in the Central African Republic and Sudan, its efforts are frequently hamstrung by nationalistic interests and external interference.

The 2019 signing of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) was heralded as a game-changer, promising a $3.4 trillion economic bloc (World Bank, 2021). However, logistical barriers, infrastructural deficits, and policy inconsistencies continue to hinder its full implementation. With only 47 out of 54 African nations having ratified the agreement (UNECA, 2024), scepticism lingers over whether Africa’s leaders are genuinely committed to dissolving the economic borders that inhibit progress.

Economic Fragmentation

Despite their collective wealth in natural resources, African economies remain fragmented. The lack of regional economic integration exacerbates Africa’s vulnerability to external shocks. The COVID-19 pandemic exposed this harsh reality, as African nations struggled to secure medical supplies due to over-reliance on foreign imports.

The World Trade Organisation (WTO) reported that Africa’s share in global trade remains at a dismal 2.7% (2023), a telling sign of the continent’s failure to harness its collective strength. In contrast, China, a single country, commands over 12% of global trade. This economic isolation is reinforced by infrastructural inadequacies; the African Development Bank (AfDB) estimates that Africa requires $130-$170 billion annually in infrastructure investments to bridge this gap. Without a unified economic strategy, Africa remains a patchwork of struggling economies rather than a formidable global player.

Political Fragmentation

African unity is further undermined by political fragmentation. Borders, drawn by European rulers with little regard for African realities, continue to ignite ethnic and territorial conflicts. The Tigray conflict in Ethiopia, the Anglophone crisis in Cameroon, and the perennial instability in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) all bear the imprint of colonial border legacies. According to the Armed Conflict Location & Event Data Project (ACLED), Africa accounted for over 37% of global conflict events in 2023.

Despite initiatives such as the AU’s “Silencing the Guns” agenda, political instability remains a formidable roadblock to unity. Without addressing the underlying causes of these conflicts, many of which stem from historical injustices tied to borders, Africa will struggle to achieve genuine unity.

The Cultural Paradox

Africa is a continent of deep cultural connectivity. With over 2,000 languages spoken and shared historical narratives, the foundation for unity is stronger than its artificial borders suggest. The Swahili language, spoken by over 200 million people, has been championed as a potential unifying linguistic bridge (UNESCO, 2023). Yet, linguistic divisions, reinforced by colonial legacies, persist. Francophone, Anglophone, and Lusophone nations often engage more with their former colonial masters than with their African neighbours.

The push for cultural re-Africanisation, including initiatives to revive indigenous governance systems and promote pan-African education, remains an untapped resource in forging a truly united continent.

Between Idealism and Pragmatism

Can Africa ever achieve true unity? The answer lies in a blend of idealism and pragmatism. A complete erasure of borders is unrealistic; however, redefining these borders to transform them from barriers into bridges is achievable. Economic integration through full implementation of AfCFTA, political coordination through stronger AU governance mechanisms, and infrastructural interconnectivity via projects like the Trans-African Highway Network (AU, 2023) can pave the way for a more unified Africa.
Moreover, decolonising the African mindset—embracing an identity beyond imposed nationalities and fostering a pan-African consciousness—is essential.

The Dawn of a Borderless Mindset

As Africa stands at the crossroads of unity and fragmentation, the need for a borderless mindset is more critical than ever. An African proverb reminds us that when spider webs unite, they can tie up a lion. If African nations can weave together their economies, policies, and cultures, they can subdue the lion of disunity that has long hindered progress.

True unity may not mean the dissolution of borders but rather transcending them—a unity not just of geography but of purpose, vision, and destiny.

The question remains: will Africa rise above the scars of colonial cartography and chart a new path for itself? The answer lies not in external interventions but in the collective will of its people and leaders to turn the dream of unity into reality.

The post Africa’s Fragmented Nations and the Quest for Unity appeared first on African Leadership Magazine.

The Promise of Change in Africa

Many of Africa’s new leaders have launched ambitious policies aimed at economic transformation and governance reform. While some have seen relative success, others have faced obstacles that expose the complexities of leadership on the continent.

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Paul Kagame—Rwanda’s Tech-Driven Model

Paul Kagame, though not a new leader, continues to be a model for many emerging African leaders. Under his administration, Rwanda has positioned itself as a tech-driven economy, attracting global investment in smart cities, artificial intelligence, and digital entrepreneurship. Kigali’s clean streets and reliable infrastructure have become a benchmark for urban development. His leadership has transformed Rwanda into one of Africa’s fastest-growing economies, with GDP growth averaging over 7% in recent years. However, critics argue that Kagame’s firm grip on power and limited political freedoms raise concerns about democratic growth, questioning whether economic prosperity can be sustainable without open governance.

Bola Ahmed Tinubu—Nigeria’s Economic Reforms

Nigeria’s president, Bola Ahmed Tinubu, came into office with promises of economic reform, focusing on removing fuel subsidies, stabilising the naira, and attracting foreign investment. His administration’s bold move to end fuel subsidies was met with mixed reactions; while it aimed to free up funds for infrastructure and development, it also led to increased fuel prices, triggering inflation and public discontent. Tinubu’s economic policies are centred on revitalising Nigeria’s business environment, but the country’s high debt burden, unemployment rate, and security challenges continue to test his leadership. His ability to navigate these economic pressures will determine whether his reforms bring sustainable growth or deepen economic hardships for Nigerians.

William Ruto—Kenya’s “Bottom-Up” Economic Agenda

Kenyan President William Ruto campaigned on the promise of a “Hustler Economy,” aiming to support small businesses and reduce income inequality. His government introduced the Financial Inclusion Fund (Hustler Fund) to provide affordable credit to small entrepreneurs, a move hailed as a major step toward financial inclusivity. However, increased taxation under his administration has led to public backlash, with protests erupting over the rising cost of living. While his policies signal an intent to support the economically marginalised, their success is contingent on implementation and public trust.

Bassirou Diomaye Faye—Economic Shift in Senegal

Senegal’s newly elected president, Bassirou Diomaye Faye, has set out to renegotiate mining and oil contracts to ensure that Senegalese citizens benefit more from their country’s natural resources. His push for economic nationalism is ambitious, challenging long-standing agreements that heavily favoured foreign companies. His approach has sparked both optimism and scepticism—will he secure better deals without discouraging foreign investment? The coming years will reveal whether this bold move translates into real economic empowerment for Senegalese citizens.

Ibrahim Traoré—Burkina Faso’s Defiance Against Western Influence

In Burkina Faso, the young Captain Ibrahim Traoré has taken an aggressive stance against France, cutting military ties and strengthening relations with Russia. His administration has focused on security, tackling the country’s rampant jihadist insurgency, which has displaced over two million people. While some citizens see his leadership as bold and necessary, others worry that leaning towards non-traditional allies could complicate the country’s geopolitical standing. If his security strategies succeed, Burkina Faso could serve as a model for self-reliance. If not, it may deepen instability.

Digital Governance: Are They Delivering?

One hallmark of Africa’s new-generation leaders is their ability to engage youth through social media and digital governance. Many of these leaders have embraced technology to increase transparency and efficiency in government operations. However, implementation has varied across countries.

Ghana’s Digital Drive under Nana Akufo-Addo made strides in digitising public services, including the Ghana Card initiative, which aims to streamline national identification and financial inclusion. While this is a step in the right direction, Ghana’s debt crisis threatens to derail economic gains, and many citizens still feel the impact of inflation. Similarly, Nigeria’s tech expansion has been promising, with Lagos positioning itself as Africa’s Silicon Valley. However, challenges such as inconsistent policies, high operational costs, and government crackdowns on cryptocurrency and fintech firms have slowed progress.

Challenges: Corruption, Institutional Weakness, and Public Trust

Despite their progressive rhetoric, many new-generation leaders still face deep-rooted challenges. Corruption remains a major issue, as seen in Transparency International’s 2024 Corruption Perceptions Index, where many African nations still rank poorly. Institutional weaknesses continue to hinder policy implementation, with bureaucratic inefficiencies slowing down economic and governance reforms. Public disillusionment is growing in countries where leaders promised rapid change but have yet to deliver tangible results. The youth, who form the majority of Africa’s population, are increasingly vocal, using social media and protests to demand accountability.

A Balanced Outlook

While scepticism persists, it would be unfair to dismiss the efforts of Africa’s new leaders entirely. There have been notable successes that indicate progress:
• Renewable Energy Expansion: South Africa, Morocco, and Kenya have significantly increased solar and wind energy adoption, reducing reliance on fossil fuels.
• Infrastructure Growth: Major projects, such as Tanzania’s Standard Gauge Railway and Ethiopia’s Grand Renaissance Dam, demonstrate Africa’s ambition to modernise.
• Intra-Africa Trade: The African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) is gradually fostering regional trade, despite slow implementation and logistical challenges.

These developments suggest that while Africa’s leadership still grapples with challenges, significant strides are being made in economic diversification, infrastructure, and regional collaboration.

Can This Generation Deliver Lasting Change?

The ultimate test of Africa’s new leaders will be whether they can sustain economic growth, maintain democratic values, and improve the livelihoods of ordinary citizens. Their effectiveness will not be measured by promises but by real, verifiable impact. While they have shown some progress, systemic issues remain. Africa’s new-generation leaders must rise beyond rhetoric and deliver results that stand the test of time. Will they break the cycle, or will history repeat itself? Only time will tell.

The post How Effective Are Africa’s New Generation Leaders? appeared first on African Leadership Magazine.

The Scale of Africa’s Brain Drain

Migration is not inherently a tragedy. Throughout history, humans have moved in search of better opportunities. For Africa, however, brain drain signifies a haemorrhaging of intellectual wealth. The International Organisation for Migration (IOM) estimates that around 20,000 skilled professionals emigrate from Africa each year, leaving critical sectors such as healthcare, education, and technology severely understaffed.

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For instance, Nigeria loses over $2 billion annually due to healthcare professionals seeking better opportunities abroad. Similarly, more than 50% of doctors trained in Ghana work overseas, with many heading to the United Kingdom, Canada, and the United States. Across Sub-Saharan Africa, one in four university graduates migrates within five years of completing their education, driven by low wages, political instability, and limited research opportunities.

The allure of the West, symbolised by promises of better pay, career growth, and stability, acts as a powerful magnet. Meanwhile, African countries, burdened by underfunded institutions and stagnant economies, struggle to compete. This imbalance leaves the continent grappling with critical shortages of expertise while enriching foreign economies.

Africa’s Response to Brain Drain

The tide may be turning, however. Recognising the gravity of brain drain, African nations are adopting innovative strategies to reverse this trend. This is not simply about plugging the leaks but about transforming the river itself—creating an environment where talent thrives and circulates within the continent.

One significant step in addressing brain drain is tackling its root cause: lack of opportunity. Countries like Rwanda, once devastated by genocide, are rebranding themselves as hubs for innovation. The Kigali Innovation City, a $2 billion project, serves as a beacon for tech entrepreneurs, attracting both diaspora talent and foreign investors.

Similarly, Ghana’s Year of Return initiative in 2019 encouraged Africans in the diaspora to return home, offering incentives such as tax breaks and dual citizenship. This cultural and economic initiative generated over $1.9 billion in revenue, demonstrating the potential of reconnecting with the diaspora.

Strengthening Education Systems

Africa’s education systems are undergoing reform to retain and nurture local talent. Initiatives like the Partnership for Skills in Applied Sciences, Engineering, and Technology (PASET) aim to bridge the skills gap by providing scholarships and improving tertiary education. Additionally, countries like South Africa are investing heavily in research and development, dedicating 0.8% of their GDP to R&D, with aspirations to meet global standards.

Diaspora Engagement

The African Union (AU) has launched the “Diaspora Division” to harness the expertise of Africans abroad. With an estimated 30 million Africans living outside the continent, their remittances alone contributed $95 billion in 2021, surpassing foreign direct investments. Governments are now creating opportunities for the diaspora to contribute intellectually through knowledge transfer programmes and remote collaborations.

Incentivising Returnees

To attract talent back, African countries are offering enticing packages. Kenya’s Reverse the Brain Drain programme provides financial support, housing, and research grants to returning professionals. Nigeria’s Nigerian Healthcare Excellence Award recognises doctors who choose to practise locally, fostering a sense of pride and belonging.

Innovating for the Future

Africa’s future hinges not just on stemming brain drain but on building ecosystems where innovation thrives. Pan-African collaborations, such as the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), are creating a unified market that incentivises local entrepreneurship and regional partnerships. This agreement is expected to boost intra-African trade by over 52% by 2030, creating millions of jobs that will retain talent within the continent.

Moreover, digital platforms like Andela, a Nigerian-founded company, are connecting African software developers to global opportunities without necessitating migration. These models retain expertise while enabling Africans to compete on the global stage.

Human Stories: The Faces of Change

The fight against brain drain is more than a statistical journey; it is a narrative shaped by real lives. Consider the story of Dr Amina Bello, a Nigerian scientist who returned home after a decade in Germany. With the support of a government-backed grant, she established a biotech startup in Lagos, employing dozens of young scientists and contributing to research on tropical diseases.

Similarly, South Africa’s Thuli Madonsela, once tempted by offers abroad, chose to remain and serve her nation. As the former Public Protector, her contributions to good governance have become a rallying cry for others to invest in Africa.

Bridging the Gaps

While progress is evident, challenges remain. Political instability, corruption, and inadequate funding continue to drive skilled professionals abroad. For instance, the ongoing conflict in Sudan has displaced hundreds of thousands of professionals, undoing years of progress.

Nonetheless, Africa’s leaders are increasingly prioritising structural reforms. Countries like Botswana and Mauritius consistently rank high in governance and economic freedom, demonstrating that stability and accountability can be achieved.

Africa’s brain drain is a wound that, if left unattended, could fester into a systemic crisis. However, as nations rally to create opportunities, embrace innovation, and engage the diaspora, the tides are shifting. Like a phoenix rising from the ashes, Africa is reclaiming its narrative, crafting a future where talent flows not outward but circulates within—a self-sustaining ecosystem of growth and potential.

The journey is far from over, but with collective effort and unwavering resolve, Africa can transform its brain drain into a brain gain. The world watches, as the cradle of civilisation once again strives to cradle its own destiny.

The post The Great Migration: Addressing Africa’s Brain Drain Crisis appeared first on African Leadership Magazine.

On his State visit to Kenya, President Hichilema said the continent must open its borders, implement the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) to correct the anomaly, and ease trading between countries instead of using third parties.

“…how strange it is that sometimes we (Zambia) trade in goods from Kenya through Europe and vice versa. Really? Does that make sense? Absolutely not. That’s what we want to fix,” he told guests at State House during a state banquet hosted by President Uhuru Kenyatta.

“So, President Kenyatta, thank you for giving us this opportunity to advance that path walked by those who came before us. We know you are doing it for the people of Kenya, the people of Zambia, and for Africa,” President Hichilema said, according to a dispatch from State House in Nairobi.

The State dinner was held to celebrate President Hichilema’s first trip to Kenya since he was elected last October. The leaders used the occasion to vow the opening of their borders to ‘fix’ what they called a series of trade barriers.

Both countries belong to the Common Market for Eastern and Southern Africa (Comesa), a 21-member trading bloc that includes countries as diverse as Tunisia and eSwatini, but all of which belong to the African Union.

Since last year in March, African countries have been implementing the AfCFTA, which is seen as an ultimate solution to gradually eliminate trade barriers and make it easier to move goods between member states, and hopefully raise intra-African trade from the current 14 per cent.

“I want to assure you that the Kenya Government will continue to work with its partners in Zambia and across the African continent to continuously remove barriers to trade, continue to improve the ease of doing business, continue to open our borders to our brothers and sisters across the continent,” President Kenyatta said at the reception.

“In this context, we have agreed to address the prevailing bottlenecks, including addressing ourselves to a few tariff and non-tariff barriers that bar our people from enjoying the freedom of trade amongst themselves.”

Earlier, the two leaders and their top government officials had agreed to work together to remove barriers that hindered trade and investment between them. They also signed MoUs on trade, investment and agriculture.

“This visit (by President Hichilema) is nothing more than a visit to reinforce and enhance the cooperation between our two countries as we seek to deepen that partnership for the mutual benefit of our respective people,” President Kenyatta said.

Trade between Zambia and Kenya amounted to $39.16 million through products such as sugar, edible oils, textiles, toiletries, detergents, and crafts, among others.

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