Africa Should not be a laggard

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By Angeline Zimbwani Mikiri TODAY is Africa Day. According to the African Union, the day was set aside to commemorate the founding of the Organisation of African Union (OAU), created in 1963 and later renamed the African Union. The day provides an opportunity to celebrate the socio-economic achievements of the continent and to reflect on the status of Africans who have been ravaged by wars, poverty and general hardship. This year’s commemoration is very important, coming as it does at a time when Afrophobia is rising on the continent. Nearby in South Africa, some African brother is blaming the other African for the economic quagmire he finds himself in. And this year’s theme is appropriately themed: “Strengthening Resilience in Nutrition and Food Security on the African Continent: Strengthening Agro Foods Systems for the Acceleration of Human. Social and Economic Capital Development.” In the case of our beloved country, Zimbabwe, growing our economy is the only way we can reduce hunger in our households and be citizens who can meaningful contribute to Africa’s development, without being despised everywhere we go. On a continental level, the prevailing huge economic challenges can be solved through value addition on all raw materials. Africa is endowed with abundant natural resources, and sadly in typical “resource curse” scenario, it is these valuable minerals that have sparked conflict, corruption and division among Africans. These trials we face as a continent can also be solved if we are united and the skilled manpower in the diaspora is harnessed and their knowledge put to productive use. Local individual creativity should also be tapped and young people empowered to fulfil their dreams and aspirations. As I listen to Sharon Manyika’s song ‘Simuka Africa, Arise, Africa, Phakama Africa’ I am reminded me that the time is now for everyone to rise up and build Africa. I have no doubt this can be achieved when we combine our expertise for the common good, become innovative and realise that ‘alone we can go fast but together we can go far’. As individuals, we all have a responsibility to build Africa for the good of the future generations, and we also should give others a chance to showcase their potential and capability to solve problems confronting us. Africa Day is also about embracing the indigenous knowledge, the nutrition, the medicinal herbs, the diverse culture system that has shaped the African continent. Let us celebrate the Africa Day with a clear conscience that God shaped Africa with a passion. He never intended that it be a laggard! Happy Africa Day Angie Zimbwani Mikiri is an author, Publisher, Life Coach, Confidence Builder, Marketing and PR Expert, she can be contacted at mikiri.angie@gmail.com

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