Africa is a land of untapped potential, a continent blessed with the youngest population in the world and an abundance of natural resources. Yet, we continue to lag behind in global development. The root of our stagnation does not solely lie in colonial history or Western interference; rather, it is our own failure to take responsibility for our destiny. Instead of being actors in our development, we have become mere wingers, constantly blaming external forces for our misfortunes while doing little to change our reality.

We have become accustomed to shifting responsibility for our failures onto others, be it the West, religion, or some unseen force conspiring against us. The unfortunate reality is that even our so-called elites, the educated African brothers and sisters, indulge in this cycle of blame. They act as if they have a monopoly over knowledge, using their education not as a tool for collective empowerment but as a barrier to keep the masses ignorant and dependent.

Professor P.L.O. Lumumba and a few other enlightened minds have been vocal about the need for Africans to stop pointing fingers and start working towards self-sufficiency. They have emphasized that Africa has everything it needs to thrive, yet we continue to squander our resources and time on trivial matters. Our youth, instead of innovating and striving for self-improvement, have been reduced to a generation waiting for handouts, easily manipulated by deceitful political leaders who exploit their desperation.

The irony of our predicament is that Africa has the youngest population in the world, an asset that, if well harnessed, could propel the continent to greatness. Unfortunately, we have one of the laziest youth populations, one that has been conditioned to seek easy solutions rather than work hard for sustainable success. Our young people are used as tools for political violence, manipulated along ethnic and tribal lines to fight battles that only benefit the elites.

It is disheartening to see our brightest minds leave the continent in search of better opportunities abroad while those who remain are discouraged by systemic corruption, lack of meritocracy, and a culture that rewards mediocrity over excellence. Instead of building industries, creating innovations, and driving economic transformation, we waste our energies on social media brawls, tribal divisions, and religious conflicts, playing directly into the hands of those we claim are our oppressors.

Many of those who claim to be champions of African unity and self-reliance are themselves deeply embedded in the Western system. They live in luxury, enjoying the privileges that come with Western alliances while preaching anti-Western rhetoric to the masses. This hypocrisy is one of the biggest obstacles to genuine African progress. If we are to free ourselves from external dependence, we must begin by holding our leaders accountable and demanding that they lead by example.

The commodification of everything in Africa has worsened the situation. Education, healthcare, and even justice have been turned into exclusive privileges for the elite, leaving the ordinary poor to fend for themselves. Instead of knowledge being shared freely to empower the people, it is hoarded by those who see it as a means of maintaining their status and influence.

The first step towards African self-reliance is a radical shift in mindset. We must stop seeing ourselves as victims and start recognizing our potential as change-makers. This means embracing hard work, innovation, and self-discipline. It means rejecting the culture of entitlement and striving for excellence in all aspects of life.

We must also abandon the destructive tribalism and religious divisions that have kept us fragmented. The West benefits from a divided Africa because a united continent would be a formidable force in global affairs. Yet, we continue to play into their hands, allowing ourselves to be used as pawns in their geopolitical games.

The solution is not in empty rhetoric or in blaming others for our misfortunes. The solution lies in action, tangible, strategic, and consistent action. We must prioritize education that is relevant to our realities, industrialization that benefits our people, and leadership that is truly accountable. We must encourage entrepreneurship, innovation, and economic independence rather than waiting for aid and foreign investments that only serve to deepen our dependency.

One of the greatest mistakes we make is failing to properly define our problems. If we do not understand our challenges, we cannot formulate effective solutions. Our economic struggles are not just a result of Western exploitation; they are also due to corruption, mismanagement, and a lack of visionary leadership. Our social problems are not just because of colonial legacies; they stem from our own failure to evolve beyond outdated traditions and harmful practices.

To move forward, we must acknowledge our weaknesses and actively work to overcome them. We must stop idolizing leaders who do nothing but enrich themselves at our expense. We must demand governance that is people-centered and policies that promote sustainable development rather than short-term political gains.

Africans, it is on us. No one will save us if we do not save ourselves. The time for excuses is over. We must rise to the challenge of building the Africa we want. This means taking responsibility for our actions, holding ourselves and our leaders accountable, and committing to the hard work that development requires.

Let us invest in education, not just any education, but one that equips our youth with the skills to compete globally. Let us support African industries, consume African products, and champion African excellence. Let us unite beyond ethnic and national boundaries to create a continent that is truly independent and self-sufficient.

If we continue on our current path, we will remain nothing more than a people crying as we carry our own corpse to the grave. But if we choose to wake up, take action, and harness our potential, Africa can rise, not as a victim of history but as a powerhouse of the future.

The choice is ours. It is on us, Africans.

By Alpha Amadu Jalloh,

Author of Monopoly of Happiness: Unveiling Sierra Leone's Social Imbalance