TrustAfrica Foundation Urges African Leaders to Prioritize Self-Reliance Amid Global Crises
The Director General of TrustAfrica Foundation, Dr. Abdullahi Janne, has issued a compelling call to African leaders, with a particular emphasis on Nigeria, to urgently bolster intra-continental cooperation and economic self-reliance. This appeal comes in response to escalating global crises and the perceived weakening of international governance systems, which threaten the continent's stability and prosperity.
Warning on Global Instability and Its Impacts
Dr. Janne delivered this message during the 41st TrustAfrica Board Meeting held in Abuja, which included a public event in partnership with the Centre for Democracy and Development (CDD–West Africa). The theme of the event was "Africa and the Escalation of Global Crises: Impacts and Responses." He cautioned that Africa faces severe economic and security consequences if it fails to act collectively in the face of growing global instability.
He described the current global order as increasingly fragile, noting that institutions established after World War II to ensure justice and peace are rapidly losing relevance. Specifically, he pointed to the declining effectiveness of the United Nations, stressing that its inability to decisively address ongoing conflicts has emboldened a dangerous shift toward power-driven international relations.
"What we are witnessing is a breakdown of global justice, where might now overrides established laws and norms. The silence by the international community in the face of aggression sets a troubling precedent for weaker regions, including Africa," he emphasized.
Economic and Security Challenges for Africa
Dr. Janne highlighted that while many conflicts driving global instability are not of Africa's making, their economic consequences on the continent are severe. He cited rising costs of essential commodities, disruptions in supply chains, and worsening living conditions as direct impacts already being felt across African nations.
Furthermore, he warned that Africa's vast reserves of critical minerals and natural resources could expose it to future external pressures or exploitation if global norms continue to erode without accountability. On the security front, he expressed concerns over the resurgence of military takeovers in parts of West Africa, describing it as both a symptom of internal fragility and a reflection of weakening global democratic safeguards.
He questioned the role of defence institutions in safeguarding democracy, noting that recent developments in countries such as Burkina Faso, Mali, and Niger underscore the urgent need for stronger governance systems within the continent.
Call for Leveraging AfCFTA and Intra-African Trade
To mitigate the impact of global shocks, Dr. Janne urged African countries to fully leverage the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) by prioritizing trade in critical goods and services within the continent. "I call on the African Union to take decisive steps in coordinating resource distribution among member states, particularly in areas such as fuel, food, and other essential commodities. Africa must look inward," he stated.
He added, "Africa must prioritize trading among itself... we have the resources, we must use them to shield our continent." He further stressed that resource-rich countries like Nigeria should prioritize supplying fellow African nations before exporting to external markets.
Insights from Other Panelists
Other speakers at the event echoed these concerns and offered additional perspectives. Senior Fellow at CDD–West Africa, Jibril Ibrahim, described the moment as the "end of empire," warning that while imperialism may be weakening, it remains highly destructive. He lamented the normalization of mass suffering and violence but maintained that resistance is possible with effective strategies.
Another speaker, Hakeem, warned of severe economic fallout for Africa, noting that over 30 African countries are already under debt stress. He urged governments, civil society, and social movements to collaborate in designing bold responses to accelerate innovation and address structural challenges.
Pan-African activist Mungile Mkabel called for a return to grassroots organizing and stronger African institutions rooted in local realities, emphasizing intergenerational collaboration and the need for young people to lead. Marwa El-Daly of Cairo University framed the crisis as both structural and personal, urging Africans to rethink inherited assumptions and respond collectively through unity and civic engagement.
Conclusion: A Call for Decisive Action
Panelists collectively warned that Africa risks becoming a global underdog as conflicts in regions like Ukraine and the Middle East disrupt food systems and trade routes. They stressed that despite its vast resources, the continent remains vulnerable due to weak coordination and limited bargaining power. The panel concluded with a strong call to action: "Africa has the instruments... but we have not used them effectively. Africa must move beyond rhetoric to decisive action, strengthening unity, mobilizing citizens, and asserting greater control over its economic future."
