The African moment: who should be ready?

Abstract

Statement by Carlos Lopes UN Under-Secretary-General and Executive Secretary of ECA at the European Congress of African Studies University of Lisbon. Mr. Lopes, on his remarks highlighted that, the socio-economic evolution of Africa over the last fifty years has witnessed the continent metamorphose from a basket case and “hopeless continent” to an emerging leader. The history of colonial subjugation and the neo-colonial machinations of the post independent era, including the continent’s turbulent development planning trajectory have been well documented and researched. This story is turning now. Africa’s narrative is changing. There is no doubt that the continent has stepped into a new and higher growth trajectory. It is true that conflicts exist in Africa such as in Mali, the Great Lakes Region, Sudan and Somalia, but these are the remnants in a declining trend of conflict in Africa. There is credence amongst many Africans that their achievements are not globally recognized, or they are ignored or misconceived. The African continent has been coerced to depend far too long on multilateral solutions and models for its development. In the face of declining aid brought on by the global financial crisis, Africa desires structural transformation, and no more structural adjustment.