For many years, the rich nations have dragged Africa along to propagate their self interests; just like the old adage of the carrot and the stick! Thanks to the colonization of Africa, Africa is still grappling with poor political infrastructure, poor economy faced by high population rates and the biggest problem being neocolonialism. 

In agriculture, which is the backbone of most African economy, the huge subsidies that the US has given to their farmers have had dire consequences on the African farmer. He cannot sell his products profitably in the world market due to high production costs in his own country worsened by the cheap costs of production by fellow farmers in countries like the US who are subsidized by their governments. 

In 2004, the agreement by the rich countries to cut on huge subsidies they give their farmers has, this year, experienced a complete turn around with great reluctance on the part of the key players in WTO. And after 7 years, the Doha roundtable talks collapsed and with it the hope that the African farmers will ever have a level economic playing field has waned. With the blame game on as to who led to the collapse of the talks, my issue remains with the African leaders. Can’t we tap into our own resources and build our own economies? 

India, Brazil and China’s stand  in this year’s talk against the US’ proposal to increase imports was a beginning of the fall for the US as the ultimate voice in international trade negotiations. It was a show of might for these countries that they can stand on their own, but where was Africa? 

Do we have to wait until there is a third colonization by the upcoming countries? After nine days of intense negotiation and tug of war among the key players, Africa was again left hanging in the balance. Are these talks enabling protection of new industries in Africa? Only by protection of these new industries can a country specialize and advance in industrialization; just like the rich countries did. Africa is rich in resources as it is doesn’t have to kneel and pray for the success of such talks as the World Trade Talks in order for them to advance their economies. 

Are Africa’s representatives in these talks a mere show of global unity? Are these people welcome just to dine and wine while rubbing shoulders with the representatives from the rich countries? The representative for Burkina Faso who had been invited to talk on the collapsing cotton industry due to subsidies to the US farmers wasn’t even given a chance to speak! Africa should learn to utilize its resources within its borders, as it has many times been said, and build itself.  

How else did countries like China, India, move from great dependency to self sustaining and are now major threats to countries in the G8? By appreciating that they have a large market, resources and can produce for their needs! Chinas minister of commerce, Chen Deming says after the collapse of the talks, China now is  positioning itself to strengthen regional cooperation" and enhance trade with least-developed economies, shouldn’t Africa be doing the same? 

With the current soaring food prices and fuel prices, Africa should brace itself for harder trading times with the rest of the world as it drags on to put its commerce in order.