We have often heard it said that Europe considers it to be in its best interest to keep Africa perpetually poor. The argument goes that a developed Africa would mean an impoverished Europe, as Europe heavily depends on Africa for much of its nominal wealth. The British pound, for instance, is pegged to the gold standard. Yet Britain does not own a single goldmine. All the gold it possesses essentially comes from Africa.
For how long can this situation persist, given how rapidly the world is changing? Secondly, is it true that a developed Africa would, inversely, lead to a poor Europe? Finally, is it in any way desirable to keep Africa poor?
Let me begin addressing these hypothetical questions, starting with the last. In my humble opinion, it is not in any way desirable to keep Africa poor. Consider Africa as a market – what benefit is there in having a poor market for goods produced by a highly advanced trading partner? In fact, Europe stands to develop even further if it engages meaningfully with a similarly developed Africa.
The fourth question is rather obvious. For more than half a millennium, Africa and Europe have been locked in a symbiotic relationship. Perhaps we might explore this history through new lenses. Would Europe be more advanced today if it were still solely trading in slaves and directly colonising Africa? The answer is No. Is the world not still dealing with consequences of trade and colonialism never changed?
Relations between Africa and Europe at this point need not be confrontational. It is true that there are many conspiracy theories about how Europe intends to keep Africa underdeveloped. Given its power, Europe may be capable of doing so – but the moral bankruptcy of such an approach cannot escape Europe’s long-term safety. That is why, in boats, thousands of people risk death on the high seas just to reach Europe’s shores, fleeing dangers of the crossing.
In conclusion, Africa will remain perpetually poor and its development constantly stunted unless both Africa and Europe move to extricate themselves from colonial mindsets. But the real question is: will that guarantee a future where Africa is strong and wealthy? Unfortunately, the answer is No. Only those who understand history can ignore Europe’s role in Africa’s underdevelopment while forgetting their own suffering with bitter bluntness.
If the trajectory continues, we once again head for destruction cloaked in flags of fake peace. A genuine partnership between Africa and Europe that is based on mutual respect, restored dignity, and sustainable relations – that should be grounded on how each one chooses their neighbour. If Africa is serious, it must make that move before Europe does too.
Relations between Africa and Europe at this point need not be confrontational. It is true that there are many conspiracy theories about how Europe intends to keep Africa underdeveloped.
The argument goes that a developed Africa would mean an impoverished Europe. As Europe heavily depends on Africa for much of its nominal wealth. The British pound, for instance, is pegged to the gold standard. Yet Britain does not own a single goldmine. All the gold it possesses essentially comes from Africa.
Munuyaga’s contact is munuyaga@gmail.com
