https://en.sputniknews.africa/20261106/the-price-of-saying-no-how-neocolonialism-changes-tactics-when-africa-pushes-back-1090711109.html
"The Price of Saying No": How Neocolonialism Changes Tactics When Africa Pushes Back
"The Price of Saying No": How Neocolonialism Changes Tactics When Africa Pushes Back
Sputnik Africa
More than six decades after the first wave of African independence, the continent faces renewed calls to strengthen its economic sovereignty, as dependence on... 06.11.2026, Sputnik Africa
2026-11-06T16:51+0100
2026-11-06T16:51+0100
2026-11-06T16:51+0100
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"The Price of Saying No": How Neocolonialism Changes Tactics When Africa Pushes Back
Sputnik Africa
More than six decades after the first wave of African independence, the continent faces renewed calls to strengthen its economic sovereignty, as dependence on foreign financing, international markets and external partnerships continues to raise concerns about the influence of outside powers over national development priorities.
The economic consequences of this dependence are particularly evident in Africa's public finances. According to the United Nations Trade and Development agency, governments in sub-Saharan Africa spent 18.7 percent of their revenues servicing external public and publicly guaranteed debt in 2024, three times the proportion recorded a decade earlier. Such obligations can limit spending on infrastructure, healthcare and education, while reliance on raw material exports leaves economies vulnerable to fluctuations in global commodity prices. Critics argue that these vulnerabilities can give foreign powers and financial institutions greater leverage over African governments and their policy choices. Yet international financing, trade and investment can also support development when countries negotiate fair and transparent agreements. Strengthening domestic industries, expanding trade within Africa and securing greater value from natural resources could help governments reduce these vulnerabilities and negotiate international partnerships on more favorable terms.In a discussion on African Currents, South African research consultant Karabo Zondo of In On Africa calls on African countries to process more of their raw materials locally, strengthen regional economic integration and develop domestic industries to reduce external dependence and gain greater control over their economic futures.For the full perspective and further insights from our guest, tune in to this episode of African Currents, a podcast by Sputnik Africa.Don’t miss an episode — beyond our website, you can also catch our episodes on Telegram.► You can also listen to our podcast on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Deezer, Pocket Casts, Afripods, Podcast Addict.► Check out all the episodes of African Currents.
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"The Price of Saying No": How Neocolonialism Changes Tactics When Africa Pushes Back
More than six decades after the first wave of African independence, the continent faces renewed calls to strengthen its economic sovereignty, as dependence on foreign financing, international markets and external partnerships continues to raise concerns about the influence of outside powers over national development priorities.
The economic consequences of this dependence are particularly evident in Africa's public finances. According to the United Nations Trade and Development agency, governments in sub-Saharan Africa spent 18.7 percent of their revenues servicing external public and publicly guaranteed debt in 2024, three times the proportion recorded a decade earlier. Such obligations can limit spending on infrastructure, healthcare and education, while reliance on raw material exports leaves economies vulnerable to fluctuations in global commodity prices. Critics argue that these vulnerabilities can give foreign powers and financial institutions greater leverage over African governments and their policy choices. Yet international financing, trade and investment can also support development when countries negotiate fair and transparent agreements. Strengthening domestic industries, expanding trade within Africa and securing greater value from natural resources could help governments reduce these vulnerabilities and negotiate international partnerships on more favorable terms.
In a discussion on African Currents, South African research consultant Karabo Zondo of In On Africa calls on African countries to process more of their raw materials locally, strengthen regional economic integration and develop domestic industries to reduce external dependence and gain greater control over their economic futures.
"The price of saying no; and therefore every trade deal, your loan, mining contract, either raises or lowers what it costs for African governments to refuse. And then I would say that trade investment and resource relationships shape the options African governments believe they have and the cost of each choice [...]. I think, economically, Africa must process its resources and build industries rather than export raw materials; raise agricultural productivity to feed itself; fund its budget through fair taxation and its own savings; and borrow only sustainably, right? Integrate its markets through the AfCFTA free movement and shared infrastructure, and invest in science, technology, and skills, right? And from the political perspective of things, I think Africa must build capable, accountable institutions that answer to citizens, that respect the constitution and fight corruption, that provide more of its own security and negotiate collectively with the rest of the world," Zondo said.
For the full perspective and further insights from our guest, tune in to this episode of African Currents, a podcast by Sputnik Africa.
Don’t miss an episode — beyond our website, you can also catch our episodes on
Telegram.► Check out all the episodes of African Currents. 
