adminRichard Muponde, Zimpapers Politics Hub
IN a world increasingly interconnected yet fraught with historical inequities, the youth of Africa stand at a critical juncture, as they should defend the continent from the vagaries of neo-colonialism.
At the same time, the young people should embrace technology and innovation to catapult Africa to a global economic superpower.
With vast mineral resources, including platinum, diamonds, gold, lithium, cobalt and many others, Africa possesses the potential to emerge as a global giant. However, this potential is under threat from neo-colonialist agencies seeking to exploit the continent’s wealth through manipulative tactics reminiscent of its colonial past.
As the upcoming African Youth Congress Summit to be held in Harare from May 23 to May 26 draws near, it is imperative for the youth to recognise their agency and role in shaping the continent’s destiny.
The summit will be held under the theme “Africa First: Cultivating Unity for Economic Growth”.
Neo-colonialism is characterised by the continued dominance of foreign powers in the political and economic spheres of African nations, often under the guise of development aid, investment, or humanitarian intervention.
This modern form of colonialism employs subtle mechanisms, including the manipulation of local leaders and the exploitation of conflicts, to secure access to Africa’s abundant resources.
Countries like the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) illustrate the dire consequences of neo-colonial interference. Over the years, the DRC has been plagued by civil wars, largely fuelled by external interests looking to exploit its rich mineral deposits. Rebel groups, often funded and supported by foreign entities, have wreaked havoc, creating instability that allows for the plundering of valuable resources while the local populace suffers. This orchestrated chaos serves as a conduit for neo-colonial agencies to siphon wealth from the continent, perpetuating a cycle of poverty and underdevelopment.
As African nations strive for self-determination and economic independence, they face the dual challenge of external manipulation and internal strife. The exploitation of resources has often been accompanied by conflicts that pit communities against each other, further complicating efforts toward unity and progress. For instance, in West Africa, the scramble for resources has led to tensions and violent confrontations, with foreign companies frequently exacerbating local grievances to gain access to land and minerals.
These activities are not isolated incidents; they represent a broader strategy employed by former colonial powers to maintain influence over Africa. By fostering divisions and conflicts, they create a landscape where local populations are pitted against one another, rendering them less capable of resisting exploitation. This dynamic emphasises the urgent need for awareness and action among Africa’s youth.
As the vanguard of the continent, the youth of Africa have the power to challenge the status quo and prevent neo-colonialism from regaining a foothold. The upcoming African Youth Congress Summit serves as a platform for young leaders to unite and strategise on how to reclaim Africa’s narrative. The theme of this year’s summit, “Africa First: Cultivating Unity for Economic Growth,” underscores the necessity for collaboration among African nations.
To combat the allure of neo-colonialism, young Africans must prioritise their collective interests over individual gain. They should advocate for policies that emphasise the beneficiation of the continent’s resources, ensuring that raw materials are processed locally instead of exported in their unrefined states. Through embracing innovation and technology, the youth can create secondary products that not only add value to the raw materials but also generate employment opportunities across the continent.
African National Congress Youth leader, Cde Collen Malatji ANC, who arrived in the country on Tuesday to offer his expertise to the preparations for the historic Africa Youth Congress Summit, said Africa should not be the face of poverty when endowed with such vast resources.
He implored African youths to safeguard the continent and exploit its resources for the benefit of its indigenous people not neo-colonialists.
Cde Malatji, was received by the Zimbabwean youth delegation led by African Youth Congress president, Cde Taurai Kandishaya, who is also the ZANU PF Youth League Secretary for Commissariat.
Upon his arrival, Cde Malatji said:
“We are here in our home; Zimbabwe is our home. We say the fight must continue. We were told there are protests here, but we have seen there are no protests. We are driven by Western media.
“South Africa and Zimbabwe, we are going to work together for the beneficiation programme of making sure we take back our land to benefit our people. Our minerals should benefit our people. If it’s poverty, we are ready to go through it, we are not prepared to suffer at the expense of countries that have no minerals and no land. Those who want to benefit from us, they must be ready to benefit from secondary products.”
He said the continent’s raw materials must remain in Africa, creating employment for the youth and everyone in Africa.
“Africa can’t be the face of poverty when we are the richest continent in the world and a blessed continent. We are the continent of God because God can’t bless people he doesn’t love, and those who say they are liked by God have nothing. I was saying don’t disperse, don’t fall into the trap of the enemy. Let’s work very hard together to make sure that we take our people out of all the problems they are faced with, utilising the gifts given by God.”
As Africa stands on the precipice of transformation, its youth are poised to lead the charge against neo-colonialism and drive the continent toward a brighter future. The upcoming African Youth Congress Summit in Harare represents an opportunity for young leaders to unite, share ideas, and strategise for the collective benefit of all Africans.
In refusing to be hoodwinked by neo-colonial agencies and fully embracing their role as stewards of their continent, the youth of Africa can harness its vast resources to build a powerful, self-sufficient, and prosperous future.
The time for action is now. The youth must seize the moment, leveraging their potential to ensure that Africa is not simply a resource-rich continent exploited by external forces but a thriving superpower that benefits its own people. In doing so, they will honour the legacy of those who fought for independence and pave the way for a new era of African greatness.
Online Reporter