The ACDP notes with interest how African Presidents responded to President Donald Trump’s decision to stop USAID for programmes and other parts of the world.
Zambia’s President, Hakainde Hichilema reportedly said that the American aid agency freeze on funding to Africa served as a wakeup call for the continent to strengthen its capacity to mobilise and manage resources locally and effectively. The impact of the funding withdrawal could not be overstated, he said, urging African nations to prioritise efficiency, reduce wasteful spending, and redirect resources towards critical sectors such as health, agriculture and education.
He continued to say, and I quote: “While the suspension of USAID funding and related support programmes in Africa was, perhaps, inevitable at some point, our true strength lies in the prudent management of our own resources. It is long overdue because it underscores the importance of us as a continent growing our economies.”
Other African presidents emphasised the need for greater self-reliance and a shift away from dependence on external funding. Some framed the aid freeze as an opportunity for Africa to take ownership of its development. The ACDP agrees.
President Paul Kagame of Rwanda has publicly stated that African countries must wean themselves off aid, and embrace a new era of self-sufficiency. He views the aid cut as an opportunity to break free from dependence and start building strong, sustainable economies.
Speaker, the days of African leaders going to Europe, America and China with begging bowls are over. We should not be indebted to other nations. Rather, they should be indebted to Africa.
It is time for Africans to elect leaders who are capable and honest, and who hate bribery and corruption: leaders who fear God and shun dishonest gain – and most importantly, leaders who love their countries, care for their people and have a strong vision to build a brighter future for them and the continent.
Speaker, Africa has been blessed with mineral wealth like no other continent in the world and should become the manufacturing hub of highly sought after goods and products made from them. Rather than simply exporting raw mined materials, we need to foster a culture of beneficiation by transforming them into higher-value products and exporting them.
We have so much potential. It is time for Africa to be less needy and more self-sufficient, and for leaders and take up the responsibility for which they were elected with wisdom, integrity and humility.
