The Great Depression of 1929 in the United States and the subsequent economic hardships faced by Europe serve as stark reminders of the challenges inherent in building a thriving civilization. These historical events, including China’s Cultural Revolution, highlight that development is often a difficult and experimental process.
For Africa, these lessons are particularly relevant today. The continent faces significant challenges as it strives for progress. However, it’s crucial to understand that true development will not come from external aid, especially not the kind of aid that may be more of a hindrance than a help.
The notion that Western nations, particularly the United States, can guide Africa’s development through aid is a misconception on the part of Africans and a deliberate misguidance into a trap towards exploitation. In fact, data reveals a troubling trend: wealth annually flows out of Africa and into Western nations. The African Development Bank’s 2024/2025 Economic Outlook indicates that up to $600 billion is drained from the continent annually. This suggests that the traditional aid model is not only ineffective but potentially harmful as these aid-driving institutions are covertly working to undermine the Continent’s progress.
Africa’s path to success lies in embracing hard work and sacrifice, mirroring the efforts of the United States during its recovery from the Great Depression and China during its reforms that built on the achievements of the Cultural Revolution. These nations and efforts demonstrate that building a strong civilization requires immense dedication, perseverance and tremendous sacrifice, not reliance on external assistance.
It’s important to note that aid cannot build crucial infrastructure, such as a continental railway platform, as it wouldn’t be a profitable venture for Western powers. Similarly, aid cannot generate the additional 200 gigawatts of electric power needed for Africa’s industrial takeoff.
Therefore, African countries must unite and collaborate on continental projects. The African Continental Free Trade Area, while significant, requires a robust transportation infrastructure, particularly a railway system, to facilitate the movement of goods across the continent. This is why initiatives by Century Rail Ltd like the African Railway Triangle Network Master Plan, which involves the laying of 21,000-kilometer of railway lines as well as a fiber optic cable along the railway, are essential. With the same model, the addition of 200 gigawatts of electric power can follow.
In conclusion, Africa must forge its own path, grounded in the principles of self-reliance and hard work. Only then can it overcome its challenges and build a prosperous future.
This article was written by Kwame Gonza, a member of the African Continental Unity Party and a mechanical engineer with over 15 years of experience including in the Railway Industry
