Coronavirus is proving to the rest of the world that Africa is not just a continent of death and diseases. Africans are struggling to contain the pandemic while the Western countries focus on their own survival. The situation has given Africans an opportunity to become what they’ve been longing for. It is presenting an opportunity to become independent of Western aid. This article highlights the reasons why coronavirus could lead to the decolonization of Africa.
African response to the virus
Africans started canceling flights coming from the West to their countries. This was followed by quarantining their citizens and putting lockdowns and curfews meant to protect their citizens. Because of this, the myth that only Africans are susceptible to infectious diseases fell apart. Africans acted much earlier even when there were no reported cases in some countries. Forcing African citizens indoors was a great move towards combating the virus.
Even in the middle of lockdowns, Most African countries are working extremely hard to ensure that their people are safe. Necessities such as masks and sanitizers have never been inadequate.
Why this pandemic could be an opportunity to decolonize Africa
As Africans go through this tough period, they should also work towards fastening decolonization. This is because the virus is giving Africans a time to end what their ancestors started.
Promoting independence
Even though African countries are having some of the weakest sectors of their economies, their creativity and resilience are proving that they are more than black people with no experience. Their indigenous knowledge and innovativeness are utilized in times of need. Who knew that coronavirus spread could this slow in Africa? Everyone predicted the opposite of what is happening right now in this great continent.
The pandemic is giving Africans an opportunity to work independently for what is best for them. It can be a dream come true to Africans because they have the chance of being seen differently. The West should see Africans as being able to contribute towards an effective solution to serious problems and not see them as people who lack everything.
Because this pandemic is challenging to even Africans, they have a chance to become more resilient, autonomous and self-reliant people when this epidemic is over. Because of this, Africans are more likely to end the exploitative neo-colonial relations with the Western nations.
Strengthening African Economic Base
This is the time when African should think about putting in place economic reforms that prioritize more creativity, innovation, and markets. This could be great for Africans because they may no longer depend on having to sell their raw materials to Western countries. This means Western nations may not have to dominate the international market and it could bring to end the exploitation of Africans especially in the global market.
Tax evasions by international corporations that rob Africans billions of money could come to an end. During this period, Africans can strengthen their own market and not depend on foreign development loans. It is surely the best time for Africans to fight back and get their total freedom from neo-colonialism.
This is the time for Africans to replace foreign funding with national funding which should be sourced from taxes and exports.
Africans must stop asking for help from foreign countries. Because of this, they must learn how to solve their own problems. Africans have enough knowledge and expertise to deal with their own issues. This will enable Africans to use their local knowledge and develop it further. They can even export Thais knowledge and expertise in the future.
Strengthening African social sector
Focus on local talent and expertise will allow Africans to develop their social sector. Improving healthcare systems should be the top governments’ priority. Local pharmaceutical industries should also be developed.
Conclusion
The situation created by coronavirus pandemic, though challenging, but provides Africans with a chance to spur decolonization and take time to develop themselves. It is time for reawakening for Africans. The opportunities this virus makes available for Africans are the reasons why this pandemic could lead to decolonization in Africa.
More:
- The pandemic can be a catalyst for decolonisation in Africa
- Africa does not need saving during this pandemic
- Africa Meets Pandemic With Violence, Confusion
