12/07/2025
The image of Mr Trump sitting while African leaders stand beside him is a stark reminder of the lingering dynamics of superiority and inferiority that still plague our interactions with the West. It's not just about the seating arrangement; it's about the mindset that perpetuates a patronizing attitude towards Africa, even decades after colonialism and slavery have officially ended.
The West's approach to Africa often feels like a continuation of the same exploitative relationships that have held our continent back for centuries. Instead of recognizing Africa's agency and potential, many Western nations still view us as a source of raw materials, cheap labor, and endless opportunities for profit. The rhetoric of partnership and cooperation often rings hollow when the underlying power dynamics remain unchanged.
We've been promised development, investment, and support, but too often these promises are tied to conditions that benefit the West more than Africa. The narrative of Africa as a "developing" continent, in need of rescue or guidance, persists, ignoring the fact that we have thriving economies, innovative entrepreneurs, and resilient communities.
It's time for a new era of genuine partnership, where Africa is treated as an equal, not a junior partner or a milking cow to be exploited for the benefit of others. We need to challenge the stereotypes and biases that still influence Western policy towards Africa and work towards a more equitable relationship that recognizes our strengths, our potential, and our right to determine our own future.
The African Renaissance is not just a dream; it's a necessity. We must rise again, not just economically, but also culturally and politically, asserting our voices, our values, and our vision for the world. It's time for Africa to take its rightful place on the global stage, as a leader, an innovator, and a force for good.
