The history of Africa’s interaction with Europe dates back to the 13th century, with the first recorded European contact with the Benin people occurring in 1472. This initial encounter set the stage for subsequent events, including the Berlin Conference of 1885, which formalized the division of Africa among European powers. This period followed centuries of trans-Atlantic slavery—one of history’s greatest forced migrations—which devastated the continent’s societies and economies.
The Berlin Conference was not only a tool for the territorial partitioning of Africa but also marked the beginning of an assault on African cultural identity. Since then, colonial influence has dictated Africa’s standards of governance, education, and economic development. Even in the post-colonial era, Western norms continue to overshadow African traditions, reinforcing a dependency mindset that hampers the continent’s self-sufficiency.
The Influence of Western Ideals on Africa
African societies have been conditioned to adopt Western ideals as the benchmark for progress. From governance and development to education and religion, Africa’s institutions often mirror those of Western nations. This extends to:
- Education as Intellectual Enslavement – While education is crucial for development, the system inherited from colonial masters often dismisses indigenous knowledge, placing Western pedagogy on a pedestal.
- Technology as ‘Witchcraft’ – Indigenous technological advancements have been undermined, while Western innovations are viewed as the only path to progress.
- Western Christianity as the Sole Path to Salvation – Traditional African spiritual systems have been demonized, replaced by Western religious doctrines that reinforce submission to external authority.
This raises critical questions: What if religious texts like the Bible were crafted by select groups to control human belief systems? Would figures like Jesus Christ or Prophet Muhammad be accepted in the 21st century, or would they be misrepresented by the media to serve global interests?
Economic Dependency and the Perceived Superiority of Western Goods
A prevalent issue in African societies is the perception of Western products as superior to locally manufactured goods. For example:
- An American-made shirt costing $10 is considered original, while a similar-quality Nigerian-made shirt from Aba is deemed inferior.
- Nigerian products are often exported to foreign countries like the UAE and then re-imported under foreign branding to gain consumer trust.
This psychological dependency on Western standards has reinforced economic stagnation. The Structural Adjustment Program (SAP), imposed by institutions like the IMF and World Bank, further entrenched foreign control over African economies. Today, Western nations continue to dictate economic policies, healthcare metrics, and education benchmarks for African nations, ensuring perpetual reliance.
The Need for an African Awakening
Africa must break free from the shackles of external validation. The economic rise of the Asian Tigers serves as a model. These nations transitioned from dependence to self-reliance by embracing their cultural values and prioritizing local industries. Despite being labeled as ‘developing nations,’ their economic and military strength now rivals global superpowers.
China, for instance, has emerged as a formidable force in global politics, co-existing with the U.S. military presence in the Pacific—a feat that underscores the power of economic self-determination. Africa, with its abundant resources and human capital, has the potential to achieve similar growth if it shifts its mindset from dependency to self-reliance.
A Call to Action for Africa
This discourse is not about rejecting all Western influences but about reclaiming Africa’s identity and self-worth. Countries like Ghana, Libya (pre-crisis), and South Africa have made strides toward self-sufficiency, but the rest of Africa must follow suit.
Instead of fighting external battles over historical injustices, Africa must focus on the internal challenges that hinder progress. The fight is not about economic reparations for past slavery but about breaking free from modern economic servitude. Africa must:
- Establish educational systems that integrate indigenous knowledge.
- Promote and consume locally made products.
- Develop policies that prioritize African economic interests over foreign agendas.
- Strengthen intra-African trade and cooperation.
Conclusion
Africa’s path to true sovereignty lies in redefining its standards, embracing its heritage, and fostering a future built on self-sufficiency. Rather than conforming to external expectations, the continent must cultivate its unique strengths and values.
#AFRICANISATION: A Future Built on African Identity
Written by Owoyomi Oluwatosin Adedapo (OOA)