Akinwunmi Adesina, a prominent African leader, recently highlighted the urgent need for Africa to command global respect through concrete and consistent action, particularly in addressing the continent’s underdevelopment and poverty.
Adesina emphasized that respect is earned, not given, and Africa’s path to earning it lies in reversing its chronic poverty and mismanagement of resources. Despite being home to nearly half the world’s gold and a third of its minerals, Africa remains hindered by poverty and underdevelopment.
Historically, countries like South Korea have demonstrated remarkable transformations from impoverished nations to global economic powerhouses. Adesina urges African nations to emulate such examples. The disparity is stark: while South Korea now boasts a GDP per capita 266 percent above the global average, Africa struggles with a significant portion of its population living in extreme poverty.
According to a report by The Guardian, Adesina criticized the concept of ‘poverty alleviation,’ advocating instead for a complete eradication of poverty and the creation of wealth. He cited South Korea’s rise from a GDP per capita of $350 in the 1960s to approximately $33,000 in 2023 as a model for African nations.
Highlighting the mismanagement of natural resources in African countries, Adesina pointed out the urgent need for transparency and accountability. He advised against securing loans backed by natural resources, labeling them as non-transparent and expensive.
Furthermore, Adesina addressed food security, a critical issue for Africa. Despite possessing 65% of the world’s uncultivated arable land, Africa still struggles to feed itself. In response to recent global crises, the African Development Bank launched a $1.5 billion emergency food production facility, bolstering food security for 250 million people and supporting 20 million farmers.
Adesina’s message is clear: Africa must transform its narrative from poverty and dependency to one of wealth creation, self-sufficiency, and global respect. The continent’s future hinges on effective governance, strategic resource management, and a steadfast commitment to lifting its people out of poverty.
