KEY POINTS
- To this end, Obasanjo has been advocating for African Nations to increase interdependence in the economic block to foster economic independence.
- The former president torch bearer also points to African Continental Free Trade Agreements (AfCFTA).
- Obasanjo speaks positively of previous Pan-African Policies and state the importance of economic Pan-Africanism.
Former Nigerian President, Chief Olusegun Obasanjo has urged leaders across the continent to deepen the economic integration in the continent, during the commemoration of the Angola Hero’s Day.
Ex-Nigerian President Obasanjo offers African states a plan on how to collectively improve economic cooperation as part of a general pan-African economic integration scheme. At an event in Lagos marking Angola’s National Founder and Heroes Day celebration, Obasanjo said the time has come to free African economies and AfCFTA is the instrument that will bring this about.
As for political and cultural integration, we can assume Pan-Africanism is partially successful but now it is time for economic integration, we have to build strong Pan-Africanism to have economic liberation, as Obasanjo said.
He also emphasised on the fact that African nations have used rhetoric for economic benefit and means that economic power is what guarantees sovereignty.
Since the establishment of the new world order, the development of pan-African economic cooperation has become more significant to Africa’s growth.
To Chief Obasanjo, Africa’s remaining flawed economy is unfavourable for the continent’s advancement and called on countries to step up and support the economic needs of the African continent.
Obasanjo urged the AU to move to economic patnership
According to Vanguard, He gave the two world wars, slavery, colonialism and exploitation of Africa’s resources as some of the reasons and urged the AU to move to economic partnership for development.
“Pan-Africanism in today’s context should largely be about the African economic emancipation,” these were Obasanjo’s words, he proceeded to acknowledge the late Angolan first President, Agostinho Neto whose contribution towards Africa’s freedom and unity was greatly valued.
Also, the Angolan Ambassador to Nigeria, José Zau, and the Nigerian Minister of Foreign Affairs Yusuf Tuggar also spoke about the need to consolidate the cooperation between Angola and Nigeria and more importantly the commitment of the two countries to work together to achieve an Africa that is capable of standing onto its feet.
