This archive report was first published on 24 May 2020.
As Africa Day approaches, it's time for reflection on the continent's future. Despite its rich diversity and enormous natural and human resource wealth, Africa remains the poorest in terms of development opportunities and outcomes.
The international press is filled with gloomy headlines about Africa: debt, poverty, humanitarian crisis, political impasse, insecurity, illegal migration, and poor governance. Yet, life continues, and it's time for Africans to take charge of their future.
Africa is not a country with one people; it's a vast, diverse, and rich continent with macro- and micro traditions spanning centuries. Africans must tell their own story, proud of their heritage and celebrating the customs and traditions of their communities.
Identity politics in Africa can be a cause for concern, but cultural identity and its distinct traditions can promote tolerance and be the basis for a peaceful, more progressive Africa with good governance.
Published on May 24, 2020, by LIBAN OBSIYE, this article highlights the need for Africans to take the lead in defining their future and to stop relying on external definitions and solutions.
With the Covid-19 pandemic highlighting Africa's disconnection and ill-preparedness for socioeconomic shocks, it's time for partnerships like South-South cooperation to learn best practices from international counterparts and indigenize and innovate.
