Africa No Filter (ANF), a prominent advocacy organization, has issued a compelling call to action to world leaders convened at the 2024 World Economic Forum in Davos. Their plea centers on the urgent need to move beyond the superficial rhetoric of “partnership” with Africa and to engage in concrete, equitable collaborations that recognize the continent’s inherent value and potential. This call stems from ANF’s comprehensive research, which reveals a significant disconnect between the diplomatic pronouncements of global powers and their actual engagement with Africa. The study, encompassing an analysis of over 124 public statements from leaders of the G7, China, and Russia between 2020 and 2023, demonstrates that while the language of partnership is frequently employed, it rarely translates into meaningful structural changes that address the power imbalances and historical injustices that continue to shape the relationship between Africa and the rest of the world.
The crux of ANF’s argument lies in the assertion that genuine global development cannot be achieved without the full and equitable participation of Africa. The continent’s significance extends far beyond its burgeoning population; its vast natural resources, crucial role in addressing climate change, and immense untapped economic potential position it as an indispensable partner in global progress. ANF emphasizes the need for partnerships built on mutual respect and a recognition of Africa’s unique contributions. These partnerships must prioritize breaking the cycle of donor dependency, fostering financial independence, and enabling Africa to emerge as a leader in trade, innovation, and sustainability. The organization argues that the time for empty promises is over; tangible action is required to match the lofty rhetoric often employed by world leaders.
ANF’s research highlights the stark contrast between the diplomatic discourse surrounding Africa and the underlying realities on the ground. While global leaders often speak of partnership and collaboration, their actions frequently fall short of their words. The report points to the lack of progress on critical issues such as reforming the UN Security Council to grant Africa a permanent seat, a move that would reflect the continent’s growing geopolitical importance and address the historical underrepresentation of African nations in global decision-making processes. Furthermore, the continued reliance on donor aid, which often comes with strings attached, perpetuates a cycle of dependency that hinders Africa’s ability to chart its own development trajectory.
Moky Makura, Executive Director of ANF, underscored the urgency of the situation, emphasizing that Africa’s projected population of two billion by 2040 and its leadership in the world’s largest free trade area make the stakes higher than ever. She challenged world leaders to seize the moment at Davos, confront outdated narratives, and foster a truly equal global stage where Africa’s voice is not only heard but also respected. This call for a paradigm shift in global engagement with Africa requires a fundamental rethinking of existing power dynamics and a commitment to building partnerships based on mutual respect, shared responsibility, and a recognition of Africa’s inherent agency.
The research also sheds light on the selective nature of the conversations about Africa, particularly within Europe. Issues such as immigration, which dominate European discourse about the continent, are rarely discussed openly and honestly with African leaders. This lack of genuine dialogue perpetuates misconceptions and reinforces existing power imbalances. ANF points to recent comments by French President Emmanuel Macron, who criticized African leaders for not expressing sufficient gratitude for French military interventions in the Sahel region, as an example of the condescending and often paternalistic tone that continues to characterize some Western interactions with Africa. These comments, which sparked widespread criticism given France’s history of colonialism and economic exploitation in Africa, underscore the need for a more nuanced and respectful approach to dialogue.
ANF’s report, authored by Professor Hui Wilcox, and the accompanying white paper, “Between White Lies and True Intentions: Unpacking What Global Leaders Say About Africa,” co-authored by Dr. Terence McNamee and Moky Makura, provide a comprehensive analysis of the rhetoric and reality of global engagement with Africa. These documents serve as a crucial resource for policymakers, civil society organizations, and all those committed to building a more just and equitable world. The call for meaningful partnerships must be heeded, not just with polite acknowledgements, but with concrete actions that demonstrate a genuine commitment to Africa’s development and its rightful place on the global stage. The future of global progress hinges on recognizing and embracing Africa’s potential as a full and equal partner.
