The world is living through turbulence and transformation. The ongoing war between Russia and Ukraine, Europe’s struggle to maintain stability, the economic crisis across Europe and America, and the rise of right-wing politicians pushing anti-immigration agendas have reshaped the global order. In the Middle East, deadly conflict continues between Israel and Palestine, while in the United States, deep political division undermines global leadership. At the same time, USAID has scaled back operations, and America has restricted billions in foreign aid. Meanwhile, China projects itself as a stable alternative global leader.

In this shifting landscape, no one is closely watching Africa—and that makes this a perfect time for change. This moment of global distraction offers Africa its best opportunity to rise above past limitations, to chart a path that is not dictated by others but by its own vision and ambition.

Now is the time to build peace and stability, consistent, strong, and economically independent leadership—leadership that allows African people to transform their continent into one of the world’s strongest economic powerhouses while others scramble to resolve their own crises.

What Africa Can Do Now

Build an Economic Powerhouse

Africa must shift from being a supplier of raw materials to becoming a center of industrial and technological value creation. Developing local industries, boosting intra-African trade, and scaling up manufacturing will strengthen economic sovereignty.

Create Sustainable Peace and Security

Political stability is the foundation of economic growth. African countries must invest in inclusive governance, conflict resolution mechanisms, and cross-border security cooperation to ensure that peace becomes a driver of prosperity.

Reallocate Defense Expenditures

Instead of spending billions on war equipment from the West—at a time when Western arms are heavily committed to Europe and the Middle East—Africa should redirect resources toward infrastructure, education, healthcare, and innovation. This shift will create lasting stability and prosperity.

Achieve Digital Transformation

Africa has the opportunity to leapfrog traditional stages of development by embracing digital technologies. By expanding internet access, promoting e-commerce, advancing fintech, and supporting startups, the continent can create an impact in the IT industry and secure a foothold in the digital economy.

Invest in Capacity Building and Innovation

Africa’s future depends on its people. Strengthening education systems, technical training, and research institutions will foster innovation and ensure Africa competes globally in science, technology, and business.

Reduce Dependency on the West

True independence means economic self-reliance. Africa should deepen South-South cooperation, strengthen internal markets, and build new alliances that are based on mutual respect and shared benefit, rather than dependency.

Strengthen Continental Institutions

The African Union, African Development Bank, and the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) must be empowered and expanded to unify markets, finance development, and amplify Africa’s voice on the global stage.

Promote Domestic Development and Local Production

Africa must reduce its reliance on imports by prioritizing agricultural modernization, industrial policy, and domestic entrepreneurship. A “Made in Africa” mindset can fuel job creation and sustainable growth.

Strengthen Food Security and Export Potential

Africa holds vast arable land and abundant human resources, yet food insecurity remains widespread. By investing in modern farming methods, irrigation, mechanization, and agro-processing, Africa can not only feed its own people but also become a global food exporter. This will generate foreign exchange, create jobs, and establish Africa as a vital player in global food supply chains.

Build Infrastructure for Interconnected Growth

Roads, railways, energy grids, ports, and digital infrastructure will unlock Africa’s potential as an integrated continental market. Connectivity is the key to scaling economies of scale and boosting competitiveness.

Earn a Global Voice

Africa must not remain a passive participant in global affairs. By uniting around shared interests, the continent can play a leading role in peace negotiations, climate change discussions, and global economic forums.

Preserve Africa’s Interests Through Strategic Partnerships

Africa should forge partnerships based on equality and long-term benefit, ensuring that trade, investment, and cooperation advance continental priorities rather than external agendas.

Ethiopia as a Model for Africa’s Future

Ethiopia is already taking bold steps that can serve as an example to other African nations. The country is building one of Africa’s largest fertilizer manufacturing plants in collaboration with Dangote—an ambitious project that will strengthen food security and industrial capacity across the continent.

The Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam (GERD), with a capacity of 6,450 MW, symbolizes Africa’s determination to harness its resources for its own growth. In the digital economy, Ethiopia has made remarkable progress: mobile money transactions now surpass cash usage, digital ID is being rolled out nationwide, and the telecom sector is transitioning toward private ownership.

The launch of the Ethiopian Securities Exchange (ESX) marks a turning point for capital markets, while the upcoming Bishoftu International Airport—with an initial capacity of 60 million passengers, expandable to 110 million—positions Ethiopia as a continental aviation hub.

The 5 Million Ethiopian Coders Initiative is cultivating a skilled youth population, equipping young people—particularly women—with critical coding skills. This initiative fosters innovation, entrepreneurship, and the creation of local solutions with lasting continental impact.

Beyond these achievements, Ethiopia holds a special place in Africa’s history. It is the only African nation that was never colonized, standing as a symbol of independence and resilience. Its ability to defend its sovereignty against foreign domination inspired liberation movements across the continent. Today, this legacy, combined with its ambitious development projects, positions Ethiopia as a credible and powerful model for African leadership.

Conclusion

Africa must seize this moment when global powers are distracted and vulnerable. The continent can no longer afford to define itself as “developing.” By investing in peace, innovation, digital transformation, food security, and self-sufficiency, Africa can secure its place as an economic powerhouse and a respected voice in shaping the future world order.

Ethiopia has understood this reality and is leading by example. Its historic independence, combined with modern industrialization, infrastructure development, and digital transformation, makes it a beacon for Africa’s future. By following this path, African nations can rise together, not as aid-dependent states, but as powerful contributors to global growth and stability.

The time has come for Africa to claim its rightful place—not at the margins of global development, but at the center of the world stage.