Africa must solve own problems’

Zvamaida Murwira in Midrand South Africa

Africa should solve its challenges by mobilising its own resources instead of going beyond the continent’s borders for solutions, legislators under the Pan-African Parliament have said.

This came out during a debate by the legislators in Midrand, South Africa, as they worked on their 2024 to 2028 strategic plan.

PAP members adopted the strategic plan, which will pave the way for the continental legislative assembly to chart its trajectory.

One of the objectives of the strategic plan is to strengthen PAP by ensuring that it assumes legislative powers.

It also seeks to give PAP, which is led by Chief Fortune Charumbira, strategic direction that will enable it to achieve its objectives.

Legislators from the continent said there is need for Africa to implement several projects highlighted in the strategic plan using its own resources rather than begging for funding from Western countries whose help comes with strings attached.

They said it is high time for Africa to assert its authority and devise its own funding model.

Tanzanian MP, Mrs Ngwasi Demas Kamani said it is critical for Africa to tap into its own endowment to fund its strategic plan and ultimately tell its own story.

“We cannot expect someone from outside to come and solve our problems. As Africans, we must understand the importance of PAP, and how it is important to fund it so that it can be the solution to the change we envisage.

“We have the resources – minerals, land and the people. They say there is no free lunch. Whatever help we might get will come with strings attached. The money we will get will be to foster the agenda of the one who gives us the money.”

Zimbabwean MP, Cde Elizabeth Masuku said Africa’s resources can fund its projects.
“We need to fund our own projects, including the implementation of this strategic plan, without the involvement of Western countries,” said Cde Masuku.

Glen View North MP who is also a member of PAP, Mr Happymore Chidziva concurred:“It is important for Africa to have home-grown solutions to its challenges. There are a lot of natural resources that can be used to fund our activities as a continent.”

Several legislators interviewed said Africa should stop extending the begging bowel to the West.
“What we need is unity among Africans, particularly our leaders. Once we speak with one voice and denounce this dependence syndrome, we are home and dry,” said a Member of Parliament from Gambia.