International Relations Expert Dr. Ishmael Hlover says Africa’s economic challenges cannot be blamed entirely on external powers, arguing that internal governance failures and inadequate commitment to continental institutions are also contributing to the continent’s continued dependence on foreign financing.
Speaking to Arafat Musah on Morning Starr on Starr FM, Dr. Hlover said African countries must take greater responsibility for mobilising and managing their resources if they are to strengthen their economies and reduce their vulnerability to external influence.
He argued that although historical colonial structures and external economic pressures continue to constrain Africa’s development, the continent’s failure to pursue collective solutions has made it difficult for countries to challenge those arrangements.
According to him, African countries could strengthen their bargaining power by working together and adopting common positions on economic and political issues rather than pursuing largely individual national interests.
Dr. Hlover cited the African Union (AU) as an example, questioning the continent’s commitment to self-reliance when a significant portion of the organisation’s budget is financed by external partners.
He said African governments must be prepared to commit more domestic resources to continental institutions if they expect them to advance Africa’s development agenda and reduce dependence on foreign support.
He also warned that excessive reliance on external borrowing can leave African countries with limited policy options, particularly when loans from international financial institutions come with conditions that constrain governments’ economic decisions.
Dr. Hlover maintained that addressing Africa’s development challenges requires stronger domestic accountability, effective resource mobilisation and genuine continental cooperation.
He said African countries must recognise the strategic value of unity and invest in institutions capable of helping them negotiate collectively with external powers.
According to him, without a stronger commitment to managing resources effectively and pursuing shared economic interests, African countries risk remaining dependent on external financing and influence despite their considerable natural wealth.
Story By Pamela Quayson
