Africa must eliminate the enemy within

By Angela Ambitho

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We all pondered at the perplexing paradox that our beloved Africa continues to be. Richest in natural resources,  yet poorest in living standards. Second largest in landmass and population, yet  lowest in innovation, manufacturing and economic power. Richest in diversity of her people yet poorest in retaining human capital and leveraging her regional strength towards meaningful common purpose.  Shockingly corrupt, discouragingly misgoverned and consistently misused by tyrants and imperialists.

“What a perplexing paradox Africa is!” we all pondered as we coalesced as a group of Pan Africans over dinner recently in Lagos. But why is this the case especially for Africa? Why is it that Africa can’t seem to truly rise and realise her full potential? Why is it that only a select few enjoy the tidings of the over acclaimed rise when majority continue to fall and fail? 

Well, in Nigeria, currently the furore is over the ridiculous purchase of two bullet proof BMW Li cars for the Minister for Aviation at a whooping $1.6million (Sh128 million). That this is happening against the backdrop of the nationwide doctors’ strike over poor remuneration has served as a most bitter pill for many to swallow.

I am sure you can guess what the reaction of government has been. Setting up of a committee to investigate the matter! Africa is rising indeed!

The Ghanaians weren’t any kinder about their country. With industrial unrest having become the order of the day and an economy that’s been struggling with huge budget deficits, many are urging their president to “get off the seat if he can’t face the heat”. And as Ghanaians complain, government stalwarts have chosen to read them the Riot Act urging those unhappy with current working conditions to go jump off a cliff. Africa is rising. Really?

Whereas the Cameroonians seem not to have forgotten the Albatross scandal where over $30 million was allocated for the purchase of a presidential jet despite two thirds of the citizenry living below $1 a day, the Ugandans claim to be sick and tired of their government’s inaction over corruption involving public officers.

This isn’t Africa on the rise.

As you can imagine, I kept mum as everyone chatted emotionally. Instead, different thoughts kept popping in my mind. Auditor General report, $300 billion unaccounted, African Union, ICC, Judiciary, Westgate, looting, insecurity, politics, inflation, road carnage. When you jot these things down are they really congruent with an Africa on the rise?

Experts have alluded that until Africa rids itself of the “Dutch disease” where her raw materials are extracted and manufactured elsewhere; until she embraces manufacturing and value addition, until she starts fair negotiations with China, until she stops relying on foreign aid; until she picks good leaders and until she accepts that where there’s no enemy within the enemy outside can’t hurt you, Africa won’t truly rise.

The writer is the founder and CEO of Infotrak Research and Consulting