Fela Kuti
As Africa closes the chapter on 2024, the yr emerges as one in all each resistance and collaboration.
It has been a yr that may very well be described because the offspring of two highly effective cultural anthems: Fela Kuti’s Kalakuta Present and Hugh Masekela’s Market. A yr teeming with youth-driven resistance, echoing the indomitable spirit of the Kalakuta Republic. A motion towards state repression that has taken root in nations similar to Kenya, Nigeria, Ghana, Zimbabwe, Senegal and, extra not too long ago, Mozambique — the second Arab Spring, maybe.
Synchroniously, the yr has been one the place conflicts within the Democratic Republic of the Congo, South Sudan, Somalia, Ethiopia and the Sahel area have persevered, and in some instances, escalated. These crises forged a protracted shadow over the continent.
It has additionally been a yr of collaboration and new horizons — very like the colourful exchanges of Market, the place prospects are limitless and partnerships flourish. The launch of the African Continental Free Commerce Space (AfCFTA) noticed the economies of Nigeria and South Africa commencing commerce, spearheading the cost towards intra-African commerce. Transcending borders and doubtlessly reshaping the continent’s financial structure.
In the meantime, Africa’s relationship with China flourished additional, evidenced by the $50 billion pledge made by President Xi Jinping on the Discussion board on China-Africa Cooperation, reinforcing the notion that Africa stays “an all-weather good friend” to China.
The yr additionally witnessed a reshaping of alliances, with Brics increasing to welcome Egypt and Ethiopia, rendering three of Africa’s prime 4 largest economies as a part of the bloc. This transfer, marking a pivotal second in Africa’s geopolitical presence, speaks to the continent’s rising weight in international issues.
These occasions usually are not exhaustive however a glimpse. They provide threads of reflection as we stand on the yr’s edge. But, it’s the horizon of 2025 that calls us ahead.
The AU Fee elections are set for early February 2025. These elections will decide the highest eight senior management positions within the fee, which serves because the AU’s secretariat, answerable for executing choices, coordinating amongst member states and driving the continent’s key programmes.
The candidates for the submit of chairperson embrace Kenya’s Raila Odinga, Somalia’s Fawzia Yusuf Haji Adam and Djibouti’s Mahamoud Ali Youssouf. This cohort is uninspiring. Not solely are all of the candidates male, however additionally they share a median age of 68, with Odinga, the favorite, turning 80 simply earlier than the election. Within the youngest continent on the earth, the place about 75% of the inhabitants is below the age of 35, the incongruity of such selections is staggering.
How can the African Union proceed to place itself as a progressive, forward-thinking physique when its management is overwhelmingly dominated by the “outdated guard”? The rhetoric of “youth is Africa’s future” rings hole when the AU’s highest workplaces stay occupied by figures whose relevance to the youth motion is more and more questionable.
With 2025 on the horizon, a yr with the potential to solidify Africa’s geopolitical beneficial properties and advance its developmental aspirations, the stakes couldn’t be increased.
Take into account South Africa’s assumption of the G20 presidency in December 2024 — a momentous duty that casts a highlight on the continent. A place that can see South Africa host pivotal occasions, together with the Monetary Observe in Cape City and the summit in Johannesburg. These usually are not merely ceremonial gatherings; they’re alternatives to fortify South Africa’s and the continents standing in international financial diplomacy, entice overseas direct funding and forge revolutionary collaborations.
Africa’s position in these dialogues extends past South Africa. The AU, as a G20 member, is concerned. This second calls for a management able to visionary coordination between the AU and its host. It requires a concerted effort to make sure that Africa’s collective voice — a voice representing its youth, the bulk stakeholders in its future — resonates in these discussions.
Can we are saying with confidence that Africa is poised to grab this chance? The constructions of management appear tethered to outdated paradigms, missing the dynamism and foresight wanted to transform potential into progress. Neither the AU Fee chairpersonship nor the G20 presidency are merely diplomatic accolades; they’re a name for daring, strategic motion. However the place is the creativeness to leverage this second in service of the continent’s broader agenda?
This troubling scenario appears destined to persist, particularly as one other doubtlessly transformative gathering arises in Angola in 2025. The circumstances may scarcely be extra precarious, set towards a backdrop of financial retreat from america, as signalled by the Trump administration’s shifting stance on Africa, and the spectre of a commerce battle between the US and China. China, in distinction, continues to say its affect, deepening diplomatic and financial ties throughout the continent. This advanced and risky panorama calls for a degree of management able to navigating each the geopolitical shifts and Africa’s urgent developmental wants.
The AU’s management construction, because it stands, is neither match for function nor in tune with the quickly altering international dynamics. The legal guidelines governing candidacy within the AU should be re-examined, not merely for his or her procedural equity however for his or her capability to foster management that’s each reflective of up to date Africa, able to navigating the realities of a multipolar world and agile in addressing its various issues.
As 2025 approaches, Africa’s future can be formed by the management choices of right now. Whereas the continent faces mounting issues, there’s a glimmer of hope within the rise of youthful leaders — similar to President Bassirou Diomaye Faye of Senegal and Botswana’s election of Duma Boko.
These shifts in management echo the spirit of Fela and Masekela — voices calling for change and revolution. The wind of change is gaining energy. Within the arms of the youth, Africa could efficiently navigate the complexities of 2025 and past with imaginative and prescient and resolve.
Dumoluhle Mazwemzini G Moyo is a columnist, inventive, creator, rising scholar and researcher with a deal with African regulation(s), youth advocacy in coverage and decision-making and African integration and regionalism.