Economic integration is needed in Africa
An African Union is a strong opportunity for individual nations across Africa. It suggests that economic power on the continent could become significantly stronger, potentially surpassing that of other regions or unions. However, it sounds almost utopian. Africa is beautiful and rich, but bewildered with diverse adverse interests, many of which are highly advanced and potentially threatening to its union. If it succeeds, most African nations will succeed.
The first priority therefore is managing these interests. While not impossible, it is extremely difficult in reality. Africa is a powerhouse of the world’s natural resources; much of the world’s wealth originates from the continent. Consider gold in Ghana, uranium in Uganda, oil, diamonds, and many other extractable resources. Petroleum, often referred to as “black gold” remains essential. Even as the world shifts toward electric vehicles, oil will continue to have significant value and use.
The real question is: what are these underlying interests? A strong African Union would challenge the long-standing dominance of Western nations, something they may struggle to accept because it has become an existential threat. A clear example can be seen in the tensions involving former colonies in the Sahel region of Africa. The resistance to continued French influence. France, like other Western powers, has often maintained close economic ties with its former colonies, relationships that have persisted well into the 21st century. There is little incentive from these powerful nations to support full economic independence for their formal colonies.
South Africa, for instance, still grapples with deep-rooted historical and structural challenges, and the struggles of apartheid are strongly rooted in its political, social and economic structures. In some cases, progress is also hindered by unproductive political systems and trade inequalities through the continent. Across the continent, there are also internal complexities, including migration issues and divisions among regions such as North Africa and sub-Saharan Africa where some Africans are calling other illegal foreigners.
By comparison, the European Union consists of 27 member states and presents itself as a unified bloc with strong economic integration, legal cooperation, and shared prosperity. Although, within this union, internal tensions exist, the EU continues to show that they can form treaties and policies to combat these tensions and form a strong trading bloc. A significant factor underpinning Western concerns is fear, specifically, fear of what a united Africa could become. This is the reason why corruption deepens and corrupt leaders are aided in the continent through disguised legal tools such as international human rights.
There is concern about losing access to African resources that are currently obtained at minimal cost. This fear is deeply ingrained and often influences policy and strategy. If this unequal, almost parasitic relationship were to end, it would challenge existing global power structures. This dynamic remains central to the prospect for African economic influence.
Geopolitics also plays a role. For example, tensions involving countries like Iran and the United States have demonstrated how alliances and regional movements such as those seen during the Arab Spring, can be leveraged for economic and strategic advantage to nations that understand the real gain in its international relations.
For Africa to truly rise, its economies must be strengthened to compete globally. This would require external powers to move away from exploitative relationships and toward more balanced partnerships. It would also require a shift in mindset, particularly in how global powers view Africa, not as a resource base, but as an equal economic partner.
If such changes occur, Africa could emerge as a unified and influential force. However, internal instability remains a serious concern. At present, a fully unified African Union appears unlikely in the near future. Another challenge is leadership: who would champion such a vision? Any movement perceived as a threat to Western interests may face significant resistance. Libya is a good reference.
Ultimately, for some Western nations, continued reliance on Africa is tied to their own economic survival. African unity, in this sense, is often treated as a strategic concern rather than a shared mutually beneficial goal with Africans.
A further issue is the lack of prioritisation of economic vitality at the individual and national levels. Natural resources remain Africa’s greatest asset, yet without proper management and control, they cannot be fully leveraged. For instance, countries like Nigeria struggle to fully account for and independently profit from their oil resources. In many cases, external actors benefit disproportionately from these resources.
If nations cannot control pricing, currency negotiations, or independent trade of their own resources, economic independence remains out of reach. Despite political independence, economic systems are still heavily influenced by external powers. This has, over time, reinforced a pattern where the West continues to extract value from Africa’s resources, making true economic sovereignty difficult to achieve. Africa today is no more than the West’s cash cow.
