Africa and the West: Legacy and Prospects
Events | October 2023
It is no longer possible to talk about African-Western relations without understanding major transformations that the two regions have undergone within the past century and the resulting consequences in terms of new strategic options and visions. To explore the nature and prospects of future partnerships between Africa and the West, the 44th International Cultural Moussem of Assilah was held on 9 and 10 October in Morocco. The event convened a diverse array of stakeholders, including former ministers, current political leaders, civil society actors and the media.
Network Executive Director, Dr. Mohamed Elsanousi provided an insight to the nexus of sustainable peace, development and education. He stressed that partnership with the West in advancing education is imperative to equip young people to cultivate Africa’s untapped resources. Africa has the youngest population in the world, with 70% of sub-Saharan Africa under the age of 30. The world needs to come together and address the gaps inhibiting youth education, including addressing education policies in which hinder education, ensuring young girls have the opportunity to receive an education and be engaged within STEM programming, and strengthening key infrastructure and resources, including low access to internet and electricity.
There are excellent examples of how Western Nations are successfully collaborating with African governments to support educational development. For instance, Finland’s largest development aid organization, Finn Church Aid has a focus on right to education within Africa to ensure safe and inclusive schools with quality teaching for everyone – including support access to education particularly for girls, persons with disabilities and young women. Furthermore, they support the education sector development by collaborating with national Ministries of Education and other relevant ministries and education authorities at different levels.
Africa is now seeking the path of independent development, political stability and political stability and regional construction, which obliges it to refrain from copying the Western model in governance and development, and then work to build an alternative partnership with the West.
As Dr. Elsanousi emphasized, “a one-size-fits-all approach will not be sufficient to strengthen the countries socio-economic development. While the west can play a critical role, there needs to be prioritization of collaboration with grassroots organizations and actors to gain a nuanced understanding of the needs and aspirations of the people.”
The 44th International Cultural Moussem of Assilah provided a platform for a visionary outlook on the future of African-Western relations. As the African continent continues its journey toward independent development, forging sustainable and contextual partnerships with the West will serve as an asset.