Unlike many across the globe anticipated, the Covid-19 pandemic was swiftly contained across much of Africa, largely due to the effective use of African traditional medicine. Yet, despite its proven efficacy, the continent faced unprecedented resistance from the global community in gaining recognition for its contributions. These frustrations, among others, were eloquently articulated by Hon. Agho Oliver, a Member of Parliament from Cameroon's Tubah-Bafut constituency, during a riveting panel session at the 19th Edition of the African Economic Conference in Gaborone, Botswana.
Speaking under the theme Securing Africa's Economic future amidst rising uncertainty, Hon. Agho delivered an address that left a respectful impression on the diverse audience of policymakers, researchers, and opinion leaders. Moderated by the Executive Director of the African Development Bank, the session tackled the structural inequalities that make Africa disproportionately vulnerable during global crises. Hon. Agho’s bold and candid remarks earned him repeated applause as he called for a more equitable world order.
Drawing from the Covid-19 experience, he emphasized the unfair treatment meted out to Africa during the pandemic. He highlighted how the continent was blocked from producing its own vaccines, the lack of recognition for African traditional medicine despite its effectiveness in containing the virus, and the unjust handling of 22 African nations that fell into debt distress. These examples, he argued, showcased the structural disadvantages Africa continues to face on the global stage. He urged global leaders to create a level playing field that would allow Africa to thrive and contribute meaningfully in times of global uncertainty.
Hon. Agho turned the spotlight on Cameroon, presenting it as a model of endurance and preparation for regional and global uncertainties. Under the leadership of President Paul Biya, Cameroon has implemented a series of reforms aimed at enhancing economic growth and stability. He pointed to the government’s efforts to combat corruption, promote private sector investment, and implement an import substitution policy to reduce dependence on foreign goods. He also lauded measures such as the establishment of special economic zones in the two English-speaking regions, the creation of private guarantee funds to accelerate investment, and the adoption of tax incentives for foreign direct investment and agricultural projects. He expressed optimism about a new bill on local taxation, currently under parliamentary debate, which he believes will enhance domestic financial mobilisation.
Hon. Agho praised the African Union for its innovative step in creating a debt-rating agency to assist member states in contracting loans under more favourable terms. However, he expressed regret over the sluggish implementation of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), describing it as the continent’s best opportunity to prepare for global and regional uncertainties. He called on African nations yet to operationalise AfCFTA to take immediate action, emphasising that Cameroon was among the seven countries to participate in the trial phase. His pride in his country’s proactive approach was palpable as he encouraged others to “join the moving train.”
The conference, officially opened by Botswana’s newly elected president, has gathered participants from across the globe to develop a model for economic development that reflects Africa’s unique realities. Over the course of three days, leaders, researchers, and civil society organisations will deliberate on strategies to secure Africa’s economic future amidst growing global uncertainty.
As discussions continue, Hon. Agho’s impassioned plea for fairness and recognition of Africa’s potential remains a rallying cry. His message expresses the need for the world to embrace African solutions, from traditional medicine to groundbreaking economic reforms, as valuable contributions to global progress.
By Bakah Derick with reports
Email: hilltopvoicesnewspaper@gmail.com
Tel: 6 94 71 85 77