Exploiting The Neocolonial Contradictions for African Development

By Kwame Gonza, Thinker, Engineer, and Member of the African Continental Unity Party (ACUP)

It is evident that the global North, along with its vested interests, has little intention of seeing Africa and the global South develop to their full potential. However, within this framework of exploitation and suppression, there are still contradictions that Africa can strategically exploit to position itself as a rising global power. Much like China has done, Africa has an opportunity to harness these contradictions to accelerate its development and catch up to the industrialized world.

China’s development is a prime example of how a nation can leverage the very forces that sought to suppress it. By capitalizing on cheap, high-skilled labor, especially in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM), China became irresistible to Western capital. This was combined with a massive market, unprecedented investment in infrastructure, key industries like steel production, and, importantly, a stable political system that could attract and manage foreign capital while guiding national growth. Africa must adopt similar strategies but adapt them to its unique context.

For Africa, the key to exploiting these contradictions lies in several strategic pillars:

1. Retaining and Nurturing High-Skilled Labor: Africa cannot afford to let its highly skilled STEM professionals migrate in search of better opportunities abroad. Intentional efforts must be made to create favorable conditions that encourage the continent’s brightest minds to stay and contribute to local innovation, technology, and infrastructure development. Policies, incentives, and national strategies must focus on developing local industries that can absorb and utilize this talent.
2. Building a Continental Railway Platform: A bold, continental-wide vision is required to transform Africa’s transportation landscape. Africa must prioritize the creation of a continental railway platform, as envisioned in the African Railway Triangle Network Master Plan by Century Rail Ltd. This ambitious plan seeks to link East, West, and Southern Africa through a unified rail network that promotes intra-African trade, reduces dependency on foreign transportation networks, and fosters economic integration. The development of this railway network over the next decade would significantly reduce the cost of transporting goods across the continent, facilitating industrial growth and regional connectivity.
3. Establishing a Continental Communication Platform: Africa’s digital and technological future must be built on the backbone of a continental fiber optic cable. This standalone infrastructure project would provide reliable, high-speed internet access across Africa, connecting businesses, governments, and citizens to the global digital economy. A continental communication platform is essential for boosting e-commerce, digital services, remote education, and innovative industries, ensuring that Africa does not miss out on the opportunities provided by the digital revolution. By building a seamless communication network, Africa can strengthen its internal markets and become a significant player in the global digital economy.
4. Energy Independence and Expansion: Africa’s energy needs are vast, and the continent must aim for an energy capacity of at least 200,000 MW in the next 10 years to drive industrialization and meet the growing demands of its population. Investing in renewable energy sources like solar, hydroelectric, and wind power would position Africa not only as energy self-sufficient but also as a global leader in sustainable energy.
5. Leveraging Raw Materials and Africa’s Huge Market: Africa is rich in raw materials, from minerals and metals to agricultural produce. The continent must leverage this wealth to attract investment and build industries around the processing and manufacturing of these resources. By keeping the value-adding processes on the continent, Africa can trap Western capital, forcing investors to engage with local industries while generating jobs, technology transfer, and economic growth. Africa’s vast market—a population of over a billion people—makes it irresistible to capital, but it must be unified and prepared to negotiate from a position of strength.
6. Ensuring Political Stability: Like China, political stability is a critical element in attracting foreign capital and maintaining control over national assets. Africa must prioritize good governance, reduce internal conflicts, and present a stable and reliable political climate for investors. Stable governments with clear, pro-development policies will inspire confidence in both local and foreign investors.

In short, Africa must be intentional in positioning itself as the next global development hub by leveraging its unique assets, including human capital, raw materials, and market size. By building the necessary infrastructure, energy platforms, and communication networks while maintaining political stability, Africa can not only attract the required capital but also ensure that it operates on terms that benefit the continent. This is the blueprint for turning the contradictions of global capitalism into a source of strength and empowerment for Africa’s future.