Global North and Part of Global South in Africa:Closer Relationship or Reenactment of Scrambling for Partitioning?

In recent times, the global landscape has witnessed a surge in efforts by countries in the West and some in the global south to strengthen their relationship with Africa. These initiatives have elicited diverse reactions from stakeholders, who have voiced concerns about the importance of empowering Africa to control its resources for the betterment of its people and development. This situation has ignited debates reminiscent of the historical Scramble for Africa partitioning, prompting our analyst to ponder whether these developments are leading to a renewed era of exploitation or fostering genuine collaboration.

The history of Africa’s interactions with the European and other continents has been marked by colonization, exploitation, and uneven power dynamics. The Scramble for Africa in the late 19th century saw major Western powers dividing up the continent among themselves, leading to untold suffering and the disempowerment of African societies. Fast forward to the present, the lingering effects of this dark era continue to resonate in some of the perceptions surrounding Western engagement with Africa.

While there are legitimate concerns that some countries might repeat past mistakes in the pursuit of their interests, it is crucial to recognize that the current attempts at fostering closer ties hold potential for a transformative partnership. Africa is a continent blessed with abundant natural resources, a youthful demographic dividend, and immense economic potential. Genuine collaboration that respects sovereignty, promotes equitable trade, and supports sustainable development can be a catalyst for mutual growth and prosperity.

To ensure that this newfound relationship does not devolve into neo-colonialism, it is imperative for all stakeholders to prioritize certain key principles:
Empowerment through Collaboration: Western nations should prioritize empowering Africa to harness its resources sustainably. This entails creating a conducive environment for investments, technology transfer, and knowledge exchange, ensuring that Africa can leverage its resources for its own development.
Equality and Respect for Sovereignty: Any engagement must be grounded in respect for Africa’s sovereignty, recognizing that the continent’s destinies should be shaped by Africans themselves. Mutually beneficial agreements should be negotiated as equal partners, fostering a sense of ownership and agency.
Inclusive Development: Development initiatives should not focus solely on economic growth but also address social, environmental, and cultural factors. Efforts must be made to bridge the existing gaps in education, healthcare, and infrastructure to uplift communities.
Transparent Governance and Accountability: Both African governments and Western partners must prioritize transparency, accountability, and good governance to ensure that resources are utilized responsibly and for the greater benefit of society.
Climate and Environmental Stewardship: Collaboration should actively promote environmental protection and sustainable practices. By supporting Africa in its climate goals and green initiatives, we can collectively combat global challenges like climate change.

Our analyst notes that the question of whether the current drive for closer ties between Western countries and Africa will lead to genuine collaboration or a reenactment of past exploitative practices lies in the hands of the stakeholders involved.

By embracing a transformative and responsible approach to partnership, concerned stakeholders can pave the way for a new era of inclusive development, mutual understanding, and shared prosperity.

Our analyst stresses that together, we have the opportunity to transcend historical legacies and create a future built on trust, respect, and a shared commitment to a better world.