Page 13 - Msingi Afrika Magazine Issue 31

Leadership
UNITY:
THE POWER TO
CHANGE AFRICA
By Samuel Phillips
vulnerable to neo-colonialism and external
manipulation. Nkrumah, in particular, was a
tireless advocate for a united Africa, urging for
the establishment of a United States of Africa to
consolidate the continent’s resources, political
will, and intellectual capital.
In his famous speech during the founding of the
Organization of African Unity (OAU) in 1963,
Nkrumah passionately argued, “The forces
that unite us are intrinsic and greater than the
superimposed influences that keep us apart.” His
vision was one of a pan-African movement that
would not only end colonial rule but also lead
to the creation of a self-reliant, strong Africa
capable of competing on the global stage.
Why Unity is Crucial for Africa’s Progress
Despite the end of formal colonialism,
Africa remains divided, both politically and
economically. Ethnic divisions, nationalistic
rivalries, and external influence continue to
create friction between African nations. This
fragmentation has contributed to issues such as
civil wars, poor governance, weak economies,
insecurity, and uneven development across
the continent. The lack of coordinated efforts
between African nations makes it difficult to
tackle common challenges such as climate
change, poverty, and infrastructure
development. The question remains;
is African unity really that difficult to
achieve?
A united Africa would have the following
powerful advantages:
1. Economic Strength: Unity would
enable Africa to create larger, integrated
markets, reducing trade barriers and
encouraging intra-African commerce. The
establishment of the African Continental
Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) is a promising
step toward this vision, as it aims to
create a single market for goods and
services across the continent. With over
1.3 billion people and a combined GDP
of more than $3 trillion, this could lead
to unprecedented economic growth, job
creation, and industrialization.
2. Political Influence: A unified
Africa would have a stronger voice on
the global stage. Currently, individual
African nations often lack the geopolitical
influence to advocate effectively for
their interests in international forums. A
cohesive continental body would be better
positioned to negotiate trade agreements,
influence global climate policies, and
demand reforms in global governance
structures such as the United Nations and
World Trade Organization.
3. Peace and Security: Kwame
Nkrumah also emphasized that unity
would bring about stability and peace.
Africa’s history of conflict, from the
Rwandan genocide to the ongoing
ISSUE 31 | NOVEMBER 2024 13