In a move that has ignited serious debate across the globe, President Donald Trump’s decision to temporarily suspend foreign aid to Africa is a wake-up call to the continent. While many view this decision as mean-spirited, it provides an opportunity for self-examination. Africa continues to struggle to achieve economic independence since gaining its independence. This pause on aid, albeit temporary, presents a chance to reassess our over-reliance on donors. Since its independence, Africa has existed as a street kid, always begging for handouts.
Frankly, it is disappointing that this suspension is not permanent; until the continent charts its own economic course, it risks remaining beholden to Western countries. African nations exist only in name, while their economies are manipulated by those who disguise the continent’s exploitation as aid.
So, what is wrong with Africa? Which child does not long to walk independently? We fought for self-governance, yet we consistently find ourselves returning to our former colonizers, extending our hands for mere scraps. This dependency syndrome has persisted over the years, contributing to our lack of foreign influence. The absence of veto power in the United Nations illustrates our ongoing subservience to those who control our nations. One may sit at the same table as their master, but ultimately, the master retains the final say. This is Africa’s position in global politics—the size of the continent and its people do not carry the weight they deserve.
In her book Dead Aid, Dambisa Moyo warns of a future where reliance on foreign aid creates a cycle of dependency that hampers true development. The pattern of aid-driven development has transformed our international relations into a system of begging, leaving our foreign policy at the mercy of funders. When our leaders travel abroad, they do so to solicit minimal support, trading our valuable resources for paltry donations. One can safely ask, “Is continuous foreign aid keeping Africa underdeveloped?” The answer is affirmative. If aid had truly worked, we would have developed decades ago. Our education and public health systems are primarily aid-driven, leaving us vulnerable to our colonial masters. After decades of self-rule, we remain unable to provide clean water or sanitation to our people, Zambia being an excellent example. This is despite our politicians boasting of billions in assets. As citizens, we live on donor funding while politicians thrive on our backs. They know that America, Japan, and the European Union will always open their pockets to stop us from starving to death, so they steal our money at will. It is time to grow up!
I am excited that the Trump administration may finally compel corrupt African leaders to rethink how they view their people. For decades, African leaders have taken pride in foreign-aided development. They usually claim credit knowing too well that the majority does not realize it came from America, China, or Japan!
The cycle of donor-driven development won’t empower Africa until we learn to use our own vast resources. In other words, achieving economic independence requires weaning ourselves off foreign handouts and leveraging our resources to foster African driven economic growth. Unfortunately, Western nations, through their aid, only give just enough to feed the donor dependency syndrome rather than facilitate genuine development. Their aid is meant to keep us at the bottom of the economic ladder! Marcus Garvey was right—Black people are often at the bottom of all human races. Until we fight to rise to the top, our fate is permanently fixed.
I pray that Trump’s decision stands. Our families do not thrive on handouts; we find ways to sustain themselves using the resources we have. So, why should states operate differently? We possess all the resources needed to develop our nations, along with brilliant minds, many of whom are teaching and working in donor nations. Why shouldn’t we tap into this talent to develop Africa?
Now is the time for Africa to reflect, regroup, and start a new path toward true self-sufficiency. Trump’s decision may indeed be the catalyst Africa needs.
Kapya Kaoma
Yeah, tRump’s actions may just be a blessing in disguise. It’s about time we took our destiny in our hands!
We havent been allowed to take destiny in our own hands. We dont need aid from America. But every racist US President should know. We NEED our reparations for slavery! The money is deserved and we want it NOW!
Very well espoused Kapaya, we Zambophiles are ready to return and bolster the Government’s move to wean itself from overseas air. With hals a century of global experience, and having survived the Kaunda-period of abstemism and forex shortage, there are tens of us willing to return and make our contribution. Give us a chance.
We will only achieve this if we start running our own mines than going back to beg for taxes or giving tax concessions.
@Kopala, Yes sir. No more Tax breaks for Multinationals present in africa.
Excellent writing bo Kaoma
Whilst the idea is good I guess the begging bowl will just held out elsewhere
give it a few months ??
Brilliant article which hits the nail squarely on the head! African nations, berween them, have the resources and materiel, along with the educated professionals to forge a brand new path! I have read Ms Moyo’s book and believe it describes the pertaining situation truthfully and without any ulterior dimension other than reality! The situation in Africa cannot, must not follow a path of status quo. It is time for a pan national decision to swerve the calamity of eternal dependence and create the most prosperous continent in the world! Sieze the moment and embrace your future Africa! It can be achieved in one generation!
Do not be cynical. Be objective. Supporting Trump Africa policy without including America and Asia and Europe is not accurate. It is misinformation. How is Mexico different from Canada? How is China different from SA? Asian tigers (South Korea, Singapore, Taiwan, Hong Kong achieved rapid development through smart economic policies, including FDI.Host government and civil society derive huge benefits from USAID.
BaMasonde, please re-read the article. The author is talking about foreign aid and Trump as an a specific example. I am not sure if you know that CSO in West are generally funded from within. So Afrucan CSOs too must start rethinking how to decolonize too.
Too clever by half
Well written article, we need to discard this tendancy of dependency in Zambia. It is way too much, this habit has literally cascaded down to individuals as well. People wish to hold functions when they’re pennyless but seek for donations. Why can’t we manage our affairs within our budgets and if we can’t then let go? We are able to manage our country affairs if we get serious to stamp out corruption. Trump is right, that money from USA is hard earned money and it’s their money. We can’t be drinking a cup of tea courtesy of our neighbour everyday, we must be ashamed.
“…. So, what is wrong with Africa? Which child does not long to walk independently? We fought for self-governance, yet we consistently find ourselves returning to our former colonizers….”
The simple answer is……….
Our western education system is not suited for African society……….
Chinese education system starts teaching, respect , cohesion , morals and hard work from nursery through to primary………
This will suit Africans better,………
Until this failed western education is adjusted or completely replaced……..
, development and self reliance shall remain a fleeting illusion, to be desired, but never attained
FWD2031
This is the Dead Aid Dambisa Moyo wrote about! Good riddance, go find your own finance “legs” to stand on! Your begging culture is shameful and stinks, kuzwa la kacenu mu inyelezi!
Do not praise writings that offer simple solutions to complex problems. Such tend to be attractive but solve nothing. You might not see the impact of aid because you think you are not a recipient of it. Are you aware that most drugs you buy in the independent pharmacies are subsidized? Or that the crops you buy at the market are grown at times using subsidized seed? In governance you cannot pursue a long-term solution while ignoring current real-life problems. That luxury does not exist. Zambia should speed up its development agenda and root out corruption then it can gradually ease off aid requirements.
Look, writing books like “Dead Aid” may seem fashionable. However, people in governance do not have the luxury of pursuing long term solutions while the masses are left to die, that is the distinction. It goes without saying that very few nations give aid willingly but rather see it as a means to clear their collective consciences from past misdeeds. Okay, if I put it simply, if the funds going to aid as requested as interest bearing loans, would that satisfy the capitalist-leaning economists that vilify aid? Development is a process. Imagine a scenario where the 1 million Zambians living with HIV are let without their drugs for years. You would have 6 million new infections and more deaths. Let us find lasting solutions but not speak blindly.
I thought this is what the author is addressing. When will we start providing our people with drugs?
We sure have a westernized political leadership different from that which was focused on political and economic freedom struggle to one that is focused on appeasing the former colonial masters. Basically, we have been economically recolonized, no different from our traditional leaders then who gave away African land, resources and exchanged human life for illusions.