Article by Sulemana Haleed
The Novel COVID- 19 pandemic which has plagued the globe this past few months and is projected to last through to the end of the year 2020 (until the hopeful expectation of finding a vaccine) has seen countries around the globe come together to fight for a common cause, to end the pandemic.
The pandemic however, has exposed countries once taught of as invincible to be merely and equally vulnerable as many developing countries. The epicenter of the pandemic has gradually moved from China to Europe and now in the United States. Bringing each of these countries virtually to its knees and dismantling the myth that only the Global South is susceptible to infectious diseases.
But what does this mean for Africa?
In times like this, the world fears for what lies ahead. The fight against the pandemic has been a cautious awakening to leaders of the African continent on the need to invest and develop Africa. As such, efforts should be made towards investing in Healthcare, Education, Infrastructure, Services, Creativity, Indigenous knowledge and Innovations, and the planning for resilience in times of emergencies. As a country’s autonomy and survival is tested in times of crises, like this period of the COVID-19 pandemic.
Economic reforms should prioritize African markets, local innovations and manufacturing, deliberate efforts across the continent to transition from the primary production and exportation of natural resources (i.e. extraction and sales of natural resources to Western Countries) to developing local industries that uses local resources into the manufacturing of value added products for exports.
The exploitative trade agreements with foreign countries which seeks to make African markets and economies dependent on foreign markets and continuously extract African resources should be re-drafted to suit the interest of Africa. In addition the African Free Trade Area Agreement (AFCFTA) that would see African countries trade within its borders without priority to Western countries should be fast tracked and operational. This will allow the African union and other African sectors easily assert their agency more globally.
Governments should make deliberate efforts in providing safe and convenient environments for businesses to thrive. Policies that stifles the economy should be done away with (high taxes, unfair subsidies etc.). There should be friendly environments conducive for human creativity, research and ingenuity. Education, Indigenous knowledge and innovation should be made a priority and invested in, as human development depends solely on these areas.
The world has to consider Africa as a partner in exploring solutions in the fight against the COVID-19 and Africa needs to heed to the awakening and realization that the development of the continent should not come second place.
The editorial team at the Institute for Liberty & Economic Education (ILEE) is comprised of dedicated professionals committed to promoting individual liberty, free markets, and private property. With expertise in public policy research and analysis, our team crafts insightful editorials that advance the principles of economic freedom and limited government, informing and engaging readers on critical issues affecting society.
