There has been a wave of concern across Africa following the dramatic decision by former U.S. President Donald Trump to cut off USAID funding, particularly in vital areas such as health, education, food security, and humanitarian relief. However, former Nigerian President Olusegun Obasanjo has laid part of the blame on African leaders, criticising their chronic dependence on Western aid. According to NIVONEWS, Obasanjo made these remarks during a panel session at the Afreximbank Annual Meeting, themed “African Renaissance in an Era of Turbulence: Are the Lions Still on the Move?”....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶

Obasanjo posed a provocative question: “We have lived too long on aid. Is aid what Africa should be expecting? I don’t believe so.” He went further to challenge the logic behind African leaders constantly seeking support from nations like China and Japan, arguing that the sums they chase—such as $20 billion from China—are amounts African countries could generate internally if they harnessed their resources effectively. His remarks align with his broader ideological stance against conventional democracy in Africa and his push for a form of communal governance rooted in dialogue, concession, and collective responsibility.

Although his views on democracy remain contentious, Obasanjo’s condemnation of Africa’s dependence on aid has gained traction. According to NIVONEWS, Africa received less than $20 billion from the U.S. and under $60 billion from all European donors combined in 2023. Meanwhile, the continent earned approximately $610 billion in exports to wealthy countries—much of which remains abroad to fuel Western economies. This imbalance hinders strategic decision-making in critical sectors such as health, education, and agriculture, as donor dependency weakens internal accountability and planning.

To address this, one of the most urgent measures Africa must take is to curb illicit financial flows (IFFs). The Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) estimates that nearly $88.6 billion is siphoned annually through corruption, misinvoicing, and criminal networks—over four times the aid Africa received from the U.S. in 2023. The World Bank acknowledges that such capital flight drains tax revenues and resources needed for poverty-reduction and infrastructure programmes.

Furthermore, African nations must ramp up local production of essential goods like medicines, fertilisers, solar technologies, and other items commonly provided through aid. Lessons from countries such as China, India, Malaysia, and South Korea show that escaping aid dependency is achievable through deliberate industrialisation. Historically, African countries have neglected pharmaceutical manufacturing due to reliance on imported medical supplies. With USAID support dwindling, this oversight is already causing dangerous gaps in medicine availability. Africa must now invest in SMEs and startups to power innovation and job creation, emulating successful Asian models.

Finally, Africa should shift its relationship with the West from dependency to equitable partnerships. Developed nations must be encouraged to support Africa through fair trade rather than token donations. This includes paying just prices for raw materials and backing value-added production within Africa. Such changes would boost GDP, create employment, and reduce reliance on foreign aid.

If African leaders adopt bold reforms and embrace long-term planning, the continent can move beyond handouts and begin shaping a future of sustainable development—on its own terms.

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