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Zambia’s potential amidst aid freeze;Reexamining Africa’s path to economic growth

By Bernadette Deka Zulu

THE suspension of U.S. aid under new President Donald Trump presents both challenges and opportunities for Africa. While it may initially seem like a setback, it could provide the impetus for African countries to reassess their development strategies and move towards greater self-reliance.

The potential for Africa’s growth is immense, and countries like Zambia, with the right policies and leadership, can thrive even without external assistance.

Ultimately, Africa’s success will depend on the continent’s ability to build sustainable, homegrown solutions that are not contingent on foreign aid, but instead driven by the ingenuity, resources, and determination of its people.

The need for Africa’s self-reliance

Africa’s reliance on aid has been a double-edged sword. On one hand, it has provided crucial financial resources to address pressing issues such as poverty, education, health, and infrastructure.

On the other hand, it has often fostered a culture of dependence, with African governments relying on external actors to fund initiatives that should ideally be homegrown.

This dependence on foreign aid has, at times, undermined the continent’s ability to build resilient institutions and long-term development strategies.

Much as this may be a challenge to us, but President Trump’s stance on reducing or rethinking U.S. aid to Africa presents an opportunity for the continent to recalibrate its development approach.

The aid freeze could act as a wake-up call for African nations, urging them to focus more on self-sufficiency and to use their own resources to drive economic growth. The challenge now is for African leaders to adopt policies that foster long-term economic independence, rather than short-term fixes.

This could mean creating more robust economic sectors, such as agriculture, manufacturing, and technology, which have the potential to generate local employment and stimulate sustainable development.

Self-reliance also demands a shift in mindset. African leaders and we the people, together, we must take ownership of their countries’ futures, moving away from the practice of waiting for external intervention to address domestic issues.

Instead, the focus should be on developing local industries, leveraging the continent’s rich natural resources, and investing in human capital through education and training programmes.

By doing so, Africa can begin to build an economy that is more resilient to external shocks and less dependent on foreign aid.

Strengthening African institutions

One of the key benefits of reduced foreign aid is the potential for African governments to strengthen their own institutions. Aid often comes with strings attached, which can lead to a situation where donor countries exert undue influence over a nation’s domestic policies.

In some cases, this can undermine the sovereignty of African nations, leading to policies that do not necessarily reflect the needs and aspirations of their people.

When aid is reduced or suspended, African governments are compelled to act in the best interests of their citizens. Without the reliance on foreign funds, African leaders are forced to focus on improving governance, curbing corruption, and ensuring that resources are allocated to where they are most needed.

Strengthening institutions is critical for long-term development. Countries with strong institutions are better able to manage their resources, implement effective policies, and create an environment conducive to business and investment.

Moreover, a more self-reliant Africa could help address some of the governance challenges that have plagued the continent. For example, the political manipulation of aid could become less of an issue, as African nations focus on building their own economies rather than relying on external sources of funding.

This would make it harder for political figures to manipulate elections or abuse power for personal gain, ultimately leading to a more transparent and accountable system of governance.

Zambia’s potential amidst aid freeze

Zambia serves as a prime example of a nation that can thrive even in the face of aid freeze. As a country rich in natural resources, including copper, she has immense potential for economic growth.

However, her reliance on aid has often prevented her from fully capitalising on her resources. The country’s economic trajectory has been hindered by a dependence on external financial assistance, as well as the volatility of global commodity prices.

The suspension of aid could provide the country with the impetus to explore alternative paths to development. Instead of depending on external donors, she could focus on improving domestic industries, particularly in agriculture and manufacturing.

With a population of over 18 million people, the nation has a large workforce that could contribute to the growth of a diversified economy.

Investments in infrastructure, such as roads and energy, would not only improve the business climate but also create jobs and stimulate domestic economic activity.

In addition to leveraging her natural resources, Zambia could also benefit from expanding regional trade networks. Africa’s push for greater economic integration, through initiatives like the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), offers an opportunity for the nation to increase exports and attract foreign investment.

This, in turn, would reduce the country’s dependence on aid and place her on a path toward sustainable growth.

Zambia’s situation highlights a broader truth: Africa’s resources, both human and material, can fuel economic development if managed effectively.

By shifting the focus from aid to local solutions, Zambia together with other African countries can position themselves as economic powerhouses in their own right.

However, this will require bold leadership, innovation, and a commitment to long-term, sustainable growth.

Moving beyond aid: Africa’s growth prospects

Africa’s future must be shaped by African solutions. While foreign aid has played a role in addressing immediate crises, it cannot be the foundation for long-term prosperity.

The real potential for Africa’s growth lies in its ability to harness its vast resources, cultivate a skilled workforce, and create an environment where entrepreneurship and innovation thrive.

The suspension of aid by President Trump could serve as a critical moment for reflection, providing African nations with the opportunity to redefine their development priorities.

For African leaders, the task now is clear: Create policies that encourage economic diversification, reduce dependence on external support, and promote good governance.

Africa’s young and growing population presents a unique opportunity to build a dynamic workforce that can drive economic change. By focusing on education, technology, and infrastructure, African countries can transform their economies from ones that are dependent on aid to ones that are robust, diversified, and competitive on the global stage.

Conclusion

The changing global landscape, marked by shifting geopolitical priorities, offers an opportunity for Africa to rethink its development strategies. Under President Trump, the United States’ foreign aid policies have evolved, with some aid programmes to Africa being suspended or restructured.

While this shift has raised concerns in some quarters, it could serve as a catalyst for Africa’s economic self-reliance and a more independent, sustainable path to growth.

*The author is founder Shaping Futures Zambia.

*bernadettedekazulu@gmail.com

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