Rethinking the African economic model
Much discourse has taken place on the challenges of poor political governance and leadership failure in Africa. This is not the primary objective of this treatise.
Of particular interest here are lessons that can be drawn from Africa's economic experience, as a basis for formulating new developmental trajectories. We are very alive to the fact that an economic model will depend on foundational matters of political governance and legitimacy. The economy cannot be de-linked from politics.
While it is imperative to address the fundamental issues of how political power is distributed and exercised, and to develop and live a new democratic culture characterized by people crafted constitutions, political pluralism, leadership renewal, and freedoms of association, assembly and expression, it is equally important that we also work towards achieving freedom from poverty and breaking the cycle of destitution among all our people.
Africans' economic rights to employment, decent housing, adequate healthcare, and affordable education should receive the same guarantees and safeguards as their political freedoms. It is therefore imperative that, as we celebrate the unity of our continent, some time be spent reflecting specifically on the nature of the African economy?
