Home PodcastInayet Wadee Honouring Africa’s Past and Shaping its Future through Ambitions like AfCFTA

Honouring Africa’s Past and Shaping its Future through Ambitions like AfCFTA

by Thaabit Kamaar
Photo by [AfricanUnion]

“For us to be able to survive as Africa, we need to connect. For us to be able to survive as people, we need to begin to [understand] that can only be realised if we are connected together … We [need] to see Africa as a continent for Africans and a continent of all the people,” said the National Chairperson of Azanian People’s Organisation (AZAPO), CDE Simphiwe Hashe.

His statement is in response to Africa Day which is celebrated annually on the 25 of May. The date observes the founding of the Organisation of African Unity (aka African Union) in 1963.

Africa Day commemorates Africa’s historical experiences, both under colonial rule and during revolutionary movements. It also symbolises the continent’s future ambitions and aspirations, including initiatives like the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), representing its goals for progress and integration.

Interference of External Forces in Africa

AfCFTA is a trade agreement established by the AU in 2018. The free trade area in Africa is the largest in participating countries, encompassing 55 AU nations and eight Regional Economic Communities.

Its primary objective is establishing a unified market for goods and services across Africa, eliminating trade barriers, fostering intra-African trade, and advancing economic integration.

Anticipated outcomes of this initiative include substantial advantages for African economies, such as expanded markets, increased investments, and the promotion of economic diversification and industrial development.

Although trading commenced in 2021 among several countries, progress has since decelerated due to various hindrances. However, this year’s focus on acceleration as the theme of AfCTFA aims to tackle these challenges and expedite the initiative.

Hashe said the recent slow progress of the initiative could be attributed to the influence and interference of external forces outside of the African continent.

“The AfCFTA is something that has taken many years … The reason why it took so long to come to the position it has is slight because of external interference and influence. It is also because of problems initiated by others.”

SMread| SA’s economic struggles intensify as interest rates rise

The Importance of African Leadership

According to Hashe, what concerns his organisation is the priority African leaders give to the viewpoints and recommendations of other leaders rather than the voices of the African people. As a result, they are more inclined to cater to the needs of the former.

“I think it’s about time we look in the interest of the Africans and black people in the continent more than the interests of those external to Africa.”

Throughout Africa’s history, the continent has witnessed the emergence of numerous exceptional leaders who guided and emancipated their people from oppressive circumstances.

Hashe holds the belief that Africa has visionary leaders. Some individuals deeply understand the African struggle, possess ethical values, demonstrate competence, and are aware of the challenges faced by the African population. These leaders can propel Africa towards a better future.

“They determine how we respond to the challenges that we have. Those challenges require a lot of leadership, thought … And direction. That direction can only come from those who understand the conditions under which we suffer and those who are entrenched in the thought of revolution.”

Related Videos