THE DREAM OF PAN-AFRICANISM: A FORGOTTEN IDEAL OR FUTURE REALITY?

Franck Gutenberg

From Liberation to Stagnation: The Lost Promise of Pan-Africanism

There was a time when Pan-Africanism was not just an idea it was a movement. From the early struggles against colonialism to the wave of independence that swept across Africa in the mid-20th century, the call for a united, self-reliant Africa was loud and unwavering. Kwame Nkrumah, Julius Nyerere, Thomas Sankara, Patrice Lumumba, and other visionary leaders spoke of an Africa that would rise above colonial divisions, control its own resources, and determine its own destiny.

Yet, more than half a century later, the dream lies in ruins. Africa remains divided by artificial borders, trapped in foreign-controlled economic systems, and weakened by internal conflicts that pit brother against brother. The institutions meant to realize Pan-Africanism like the African Union (AU) have become bureaucratic shells, more concerned with diplomatic formalities than real change.

So, what happened? Was Pan-Africanism too idealistic? Or has Africa simply been betrayed by its own leaders who preach unity while bowing to external powers?

The African Union: A Symbol of Unity or a Political Mirage?

The African Union was supposed to be the cornerstone of Pan-Africanism—a platform where African nations could coordinate economic policies, defend each other against foreign exploitation, and build collective security. Yet, after more than 20 years of existence, what has it truly achieved?

• Conflicts still rage across the continent, from the Democratic Republic of Congo to Sudan and the Sahel, with the AU powerless to stop them.
• The African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), a supposed milestone in economic integration, remains more theoretical than practical, with endless bureaucratic delays and protectionist attitudes from member states.
• Instead of challenging neocolonial economic models, African leaders continue to borrow excessively from foreign creditors, mortgaging the continent’s future.

Rather than standing strong as a united bloc, African nations still look outward for solutions to their problems turning to the IMF, the World Bank, the European Union, and even former colonial powers, instead of forging their own path.

How can Pan-Africanism become a reality when the continent’s leaders refuse to act as one?

The Betrayal of Africa’s Wealth: A Continent Rich in Resources but Poor in Power

One of the fundamental goals of Pan-Africanism was for Africa to control its own wealth. The continent is home to 40% of the world’s gold, 90% of its platinum, and over 30% of its mineral reserves yet millions of Africans still live in poverty. Why?

• Africa exports raw materials but imports finished goods at high prices, keeping it at the bottom of the global economic ladder.
• Multinational corporations and foreign governments continue to exploit Africa’s resources under unfair contracts, while African leaders look the other way.
• The Franc CFA, a colonial-era currency controlled by France, is still used in several West and Central African nations, stifling true financial independence.

If Pan-Africanism is to be more than just a nostalgic slogan, Africa must take back control of its resources and create economic policies that prioritize African interests over foreign profits.

The Myth of Regional Integration: Divide and Rule Still Prevails

One of the great failures of modern Africa is its inability to integrate as a unified bloc. While Europe has managed to form the European Union, Africa remains fragmented, divided by regional organizations that compete rather than cooperate:

• ECOWAS in West Africa often finds itself at odds with the AU, particularly in dealing with military juntas and economic policies.
• The East African Community (EAC) has shown some promise, but internal disputes and slow decision-making hinder progress.
• The Southern African Development Community (SADC) remains largely ineffective in resolving crises like those in Zimbabwe or Mozambique.

Instead of working towards a common African vision, these organizations operate in silos, each trying to assert its dominance rather than working towards real Pan-African cooperation.

If Africa cannot move beyond its regional divisions, Pan-Africanism will remain a distant fantasy rather than an achievable goal.

Reclaiming the Dream: What Must Be Done?

If Pan-Africanism is to have any future, Africa’s leaders—and more importantly, its people—must demand real action, not just empty promises. Here’s what must happen:

1. End economic dependency – Africa must develop its own financial institutions, promote intra-African trade, and create strong industrial sectors to reduce reliance on foreign economies.
2. Strengthen the AU – The African Union must be reformed to become an actual decision-making body, rather than just a stage for political speeches. It must have real enforcement mechanisms to deal with conflicts, governance failures, and economic exploitation.
3. Unify African military and defense efforts – Instead of depending on foreign interventions, Africa needs a continent-wide military alliance capable of protecting African sovereignty.
4. Control African resources – African countries must renegotiate unfair trade deals, regulate foreign investment, and ensure resource wealth benefits local populations.
5. Educate the next generation on Pan-Africanism – The ideals of Nkrumah, Sankara, and Lumumba must be revived, ensuring that young Africans understand the importance of unity, economic sovereignty, and political independence.

Conclusion: The Time for Talk is Over

Pan-Africanism was never meant to be a passive ideal it was a call to action. Yet today, it remains a dream deferred, a slogan recited in speeches but not reflected in policies.

Africa cannot afford another 50 years of slow progress, empty summits, and bureaucratic stagnation. Either Pan-Africanism is resurrected as a real political and economic force, or it will remain nothing more than a forgotten relic of history.

The choice is ours. Will Africa finally unite as a global powerhouse, or will it remain forever a continent of potential, never fully realized?

The dream is not dead but if Africa does not act now, it soon will be.