Beyond conflict resolution, Pan-African Parliament (PAP) President, Chief Fortune Charumbira, has emphasized the urgent need for Africa to reduce its reliance on foreign aid and take charge of its economic destiny.
His remarks come in the wake of the 90-day suspension of U.S. foreign development assistance, a move he described as a wake-up call for the continent to harness its vast natural resources for self-sufficiency.
“How can Africa, a continent so rich in resources, continue to rely on aid? It is high time we take the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) seriously, remove trade barriers, and push for a common African currency,” Chief Charumbira stated.
He stressed that Africa must strengthen intra-continental trade, industrialize, and implement policies that foster economic independence rather than looking outward for financial support. According to him, initiatives such as AfCFTA provide a critical framework for boosting trade, creating jobs, and ensuring long-term economic stability across African nations.
Chief Charumbira also called on African leaders to accelerate efforts toward regional integration and economic reforms, ensuring that Africa’s wealth benefits its people rather than being exploited by external forces.
His message aligns with growing sentiments across the continent that foreign aid often comes with conditions that limit Africa’s autonomy, and that true development can only be achieved through self-reliance, innovation, and effective leadership.
As Africa navigates this critical moment, the call for economic sovereignty and unity is becoming more urgent, with leaders like Chief Charumbira pushing for a future where the continent thrives on its own resources and trade networks.
