The global arena today is marked by a resurgence of imperialism, albeit in a more covert, economic, and geopolitical form. The United States, Russia, and China are engaged in a modern-day scramble for dominance, and Africa finds itself once again in the crosshairs of external powers. For Africa, the stakes are existential: the long-sought dream of freedom—economic, political, and infrastructural emancipation—remains elusive. To achieve true liberation, Africa must confront bitter truths and embark on revolutionary paths that will undoubtedly come at great cost.

A History Repeating Itself

Africa’s current plight is deeply rooted in its colonial past. The Berlin Conference of 1884-1885 partitioned the continent into territories of European exploitation, creating artificial borders and systems designed to extract wealth while leaving nations weak and dependent. Independence movements of the 20th century, while celebrated, largely replaced colonial administrators with local elites who perpetuated the same exploitative systems. The neocolonial structures imposed by Western financial institutions like the International Monetary Fund (IMF) and World Bank have ensured that Africa remains tethered to systems of debt, unequal trade agreements, and resource plunder.

Today, the new scramble is less about territorial control and more about strategic influence over Africa’s resources and markets. The continent is rich in critical minerals—cobalt, lithium, and rare earths—that power the global tech and green energy revolutions. It holds vast agricultural potential and an untapped consumer market of over 1.4 billion people. Yet, African nations still struggle with the paradox of poverty amidst plenty.

The Bitter Paths to Emancipation

1. Rejecting Dependency and Embracing Autonomy
   Africa’s reliance on foreign aid and loans has been a tool of control. According to the Jubilee Debt Campaign, African nations spend over $20 billion annually repaying debts, often incurred under exploitative conditions. This debt cycle undermines sovereignty, forcing governments to prioritize creditors over citizens. For true freedom, African nations must break this dependency. Regional institutions like the African Development Bank (AfDB) must be strengthened to provide alternative financing that aligns with African priorities.
2. Resource Nationalism
   Africa must wrest control of its resources from multinational corporations. Countries like Zambia, which depend on copper, or the Democratic Republic of Congo, which produces over 70% of the world’s cobalt, see little benefit from their natural wealth. African leaders must emulate models like Botswana’s diamond industry, where the state partners with private firms but retains substantial control and revenue. This will require rewriting contracts, facing international backlash, and potentially sanctioning foreign corporations unwilling to comply.
3. Pan-African Solidarity and Unity
   The African Union (AU) has often been criticized as toothless, yet it remains the continent’s best hope for collective bargaining. Unity is essential to resist the divide-and-conquer strategies employed by external powers. The creation of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) is a promising step toward economic integration, but its potential will only be realized if member states act with shared purpose, prioritizing continental interests over national or tribal ones.
4. Revolutionary Political Reforms
   Many African states remain plagued by corruption, authoritarianism, and weak institutions. Leaders like Thomas Sankara of Burkina Faso understood that political freedom is inseparable from economic independence. He rejected foreign aid, promoted local industry, and emphasized anti-corruption. His assassination, often linked to external powers, serves as a warning: revolutionary change will be met with resistance. Still, Africa must foster new generations of leaders who prioritize people over power.
5. Militarizing Against External Exploitation
   With Russia, China, and the United States jostling for military bases and influence, Africa must recognize the dangers of becoming a battleground for proxy wars. The establishment of the Sahel Alliance by Burkina Faso, Mali, and Niger offers a model of resistance to foreign military interference. African nations must prioritize their security by investing in self-reliance rather than aligning with external powers that view them as pawns.

The Role of Global Powers in Africa’s Struggle

China’s Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) has financed over $100 billion in African infrastructure projects since its inception in 2013, focusing on roads, ports, and railways. While the initiative addresses Africa’s vast infrastructure gap—estimated by the African Development Bank to require up to $170 billion annually by 2025—there are significant challenges linked to debt sustainability and geopolitical implications.

Countries like Angola, Ethiopia, and Kenya are among China’s top African debtors. For instance, Kenya’s $3.6 billion Standard Gauge Railway, part of the BRI, has been criticized for underperformance and saddling the nation with unsustainable debt. Similarly, Djibouti owes China nearly 35% of its GDP, raising concerns about economic sovereignty. Confidentiality agreements tied to Chinese loans exacerbate the lack of transparency, often leaving countries with high debt obligations and limited negotiation power.

While the BRI has delivered tangible infrastructure benefits, such as job creation and improved trade routes, critics argue that projects often prioritize China’s strategic interests over long-term African development. As of 2022, 50 out of 55 African nations had signed agreements under the BRI.

There is a need for Africa to critically evaluate its partnerships to ensure infrastructure development aligns with the continent’s own economic and social goals.

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United States’s engagement in Africa is often presented under the pretext of promoting democracy and counterterrorism. However, its military presence, particularly through the United States Africa Command (AFRICOM), has functioned as a tool of espionage and military dominance over African nations.

AFRICOM’s operations enable the U.S. to exert undue influence over countries and train forces with the mandate to overthrow governments unwilling to align with American interests.

For instance, AFRICOM has trained approximately 50,000 African military personnel, some of whom later participated in coups against their governments. A notable example is Colonel Mamady Doumbouya of Guinea, who, after receiving U.S. military training, led a coup to oust the country’s leadership.

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Russia’s role in Africa has become increasingly prominent, especially through arms deals and security arrangements. While these engagements have provided much-needed support to governments facing security challenges, Africa must remain vigilant to ensure its long-term sovereignty and self-reliance in military and economic spheres.

Russia has offered partnerships that align with some African nations’ desires to break away from traditional Western influence. For example, military collaborations, such as those facilitated by the Wagner Group in Mali and the Central African Republic, have addressed immediate security concerns. Additionally, Russia has provided arms and military training, helping African states defend their territorial integrity.

However, true military and economic independence for Africa requires moving beyond reliance on external powers. Collective continental initiatives—like developing indigenous weapons manufacturing and coordinated defense strategies—will be key to achieving lasting strength. The African Union’s ambition for a single African military force and the establishment of regional arms industries are steps in this direction. For instance, countries like South Africa and Egypt have shown potential in arms production, signaling the possibility of pan-African collaboration in defense capabilities.

Russia’s engagement is not without merit, as it provides alternatives to traditional alliances. Yet, Africa must focus on building its own capacity to address security and development challenges, ensuring partnerships that align with the continent’s vision of self-reliance and sustainable growth.

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The Youth: Africa’s Ultimate Game-Changer

History has shown that African youth have consistently been at the forefront of liberation struggles, challenging oppressive systems and pushing the boundaries of societal norms. From the anti-colonial movements of the 20th century to contemporary protests against corruption and inequality, young people have always been the vanguard of change. Today, as Africa grapples with neocolonialism in a rapidly shifting global order, the role of the youth remains indispensable.

Historic Contributions of African Youth

Anti-Colonial Struggles:

• During the 1950s and 1960s, young leaders like Patrice Lumumba (Congo), Amílcar Cabral (Guinea-Bissau), and Steve Biko (South Africa) mobilized youth to demand independence and resist colonial domination.
• In Algeria, youth fighters played pivotal roles in the National Liberation Front (FLN), while in Kenya, the Mau Mau rebellion was sustained by the energy and commitment of young warriors.

Post-Independence Movements:

• In apartheid South Africa, the 1976 Soweto Uprising, led by schoolchildren protesting against Afrikaans as the medium of instruction, galvanized international support for the anti-apartheid movement.
• The role of university students in post-independence critiques of authoritarian regimes, as seen in Tanzania, Nigeria, and Ghana, showcased the youth’s commitment to justice and democracy.

Diaspora Youth:

The African diaspora has been a crucial force in the liberation and empowerment of African nations and communities worldwide. From the early 20th century, figures like Marcus Garvey, a Jamaican-born activist, played an instrumental role in uniting Africans across the globe with his Universal Negro Improvement Association (UNIA). Garvey’s call for African pride, economic independence, and the “Back to Africa” movement inspired a global awakening of Black identity and anti-colonial sentiment.

Similarly, the Pan-African Congresses of the 20th century became pivotal platforms for advocating African self-determination and independence from colonial rule. Spearheaded by influential leaders like W.E.B. Du Bois, George Padmore, and Kwame Nkrumah, these gatherings united African and diaspora activists, laying intellectual and ideological foundations for the decolonization movements of the mid-20th century. For example, the 1945 Pan-African Congress in Manchester galvanized efforts that led to the eventual independence of nations like Ghana, Nigeria, and Kenya.

In the present day, the diaspora remains influential through advocacy, remittances, and collaborations that impact Africa’s socio-economic and political landscapes. Movements like #BlackLivesMatter have drawn global attention to racial injustices, often connecting these struggles to historical and ongoing challenges in Africa. The African Continental Free Trade Agreement (AfCFTA) and organizations like the African Union increasingly recognize the diaspora as the “sixth region,” underscoring its role in Africa’s future development.

The Role of Youth Today

As Africa faces new forms of exploitation, the youth must rise as the ultimate game-changers. With over 60% of Africa’s population under the age of 25, young people are not only Africa’s present but also its most significant asset for the future.

Political Activism and Advocacy:

• Youth movements like #EndSARS in Nigeria and the Sudanese revolution demonstrate the power of young people to challenge entrenched systems of corruption and authoritarianism.
• Across the continent, digital platforms have become tools for activism, enabling youth to organize, educate, and advocate for policy reforms.

Economic Innovation:

• African youth are transforming economies through entrepreneurship and tech innovations. Startups like Flutterwave (Nigeria) and M-Pesa (Kenya) are examples of how young innovators are reshaping industries and creating local solutions to global challenges.

Cultural Renaissance:

The resurgence of Afrocentric narratives in music, fashion, and film—led by creators from the continent and the diaspora—represents a powerful cultural reclaiming of African identity, heritage, and pride. Movements such as Afrobeats’ global rise, Nollywood’s cinematic storytelling, and the celebration of African fashion designers on international runways have reshaped Africa’s image from one of misrepresentation to one of celebration and innovation.

Central to this wave is literature like The Great Delusion by Patrick Majekodunmi Benjamin, a work that critically examines Africa’s struggles with colonial legacies and identity. Through its exploration of African history, culture, and politics, the book challenges narratives imposed by the West and highlights the need for a self-determined future. It resonates deeply with the ongoing Afrocentric movement, as it emphasizes reawakening African consciousness and embracing authentic identities.

Together, this cultural reclamation—embodied in works like The Great Delusion, films such as Black Panther, and Afrocentric music by artists like Seun Anikulapo Kuti and Asa—redefines what it means to be African in a modern, interconnected world. This revival encourages African and diaspora communities to celebrate their shared heritage while forging a united path forward.

Mobilizing Youth in Africa and the Diaspora

Continental Collaboration:

• Platforms like the African Union Youth Division and regional youth councils must be strengthened to ensure young voices shape policies.
• Investments in education and leadership development are critical to equipping youth with the skills and knowledge to lead effectively.

Diaspora Engagement:

• African diasporan youth must leverage their access to resources, networks, and global platforms to advocate for Africa’s interests. Movements like #FeesMustFall and the Black Lives Matter protests have shown the power of global solidarity in addressing African issues.

Building Unity:

• Pan-African solidarity among youth across borders must be prioritized to resist external manipulation and division. The shared experiences of exploitation, racism, and inequality can serve as unifying forces for collective action.

The Challenge Ahead

However, this generation of youth must confront several challenges, including systemic unemployment, political suppression, and limited access to quality education. Governments must create enabling environments for youth to thrive, while young people must overcome divisions rooted in ethnicity, religion, and class.

The Price of Freedom

As Fanon warned, liberation is not handed over; it must be seized. The youth of Africa must be willing to make sacrifices, endure hardships, and confront oppressors—foreign and domestic. Whether through activism, innovation, or cultural renaissance, their contributions will determine Africa’s trajectory in this emerging global order.

In the words of Julius Nyerere, “The African youth are not the leaders of tomorrow; they are the leaders of today.” It is time for Africa’s youth, both at home and in the diaspora, to embody this truth and secure the freedom their forebears dreamed of. The question is not whether they can but whether they will.

If Africa fails to act decisively, it will remain a theater of exploitation. As Fanon reminds us, “Each generation must, out of relative obscurity, discover its mission, fulfill it, or betray it.” Africa’s mission is clear; the question is whether it will rise to the challenge.