The financial institutions of the Bretton Woods system have "a bad reputation in Africa," a Nigerien socio-economic and political analyst and Pan-Africanist, Issoufou Boubacar Kado Magagi, told Sputnik Africa.
"These institutions are widely seen as the enforcement arm of neocolonial and neo-imperialist global powers, helping to keep Africa trapped in poverty," he explained.
According to Magagi, the way forward for the AES is to engage with the world — but without compromising their sovereignty.
Key priorities for the AES, as outlined by the Pan-Africanist:
Launch a common currency;
Maintain control over raw materials;
Create a free trade zone among Sahel countries;
Explore new economic partnerships with BRICS nations.