By Uzo Owunne
Politics, especially in emerging democracies with weak institutions, often becomes the art of disguising personal interest as national interest.
In many African countries—including Nigeria, Uganda, Zimbabwe, Cameroon, and Equatorial Guinea, amongst others, individuals frequently wield more power than the very institutions meant to govern them. This allows politicians to manipulate state structures for personal gain while presenting their actions as being in the interest of the people.
At the same time, the Artificial Intelligence (AI) revolution is transforming industries, economies, and global power structures. Unfortunately, Africa is nowhere near the starting line, and if urgent steps are not taken, the continent risks being permanently left behind.
While countries like China, South Korea, and the United States are investing billions into AI research, automation, and future technologies to secure economic dominance, Africa still grapples with outdated notions of development, prioritizing short-term political control over long-term economic and technological strategy.
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To compete in the future, Africa must abandon its reliance on reactionary governance and adopt a proactive, united approach that brings together government, the private sector, and civil society. The time for excuses is over—Africa must wake up, take initiative, and actively shape its future in this new era of technological advancement. Without a mindset shift, the continent will remain a passive participant in the global economy rather than a driver of innovation.
Crisis of Governance: When Leaders Become Bigger Than Institutions
In Uganda, President Yoweri Museveni has perfected the art of consolidating power at the expense of democratic institutions. Since taking office in 1986, he has systematically weakened opposition, extended his rule through constitutional amendments, and militarized governance. The violent suppression of opposition figures like Bobi Wine demonstrates how state institutions—originally designed to protect democracy—have been repurposed to serve personal rule rather than national development. His justification is always framed around stability and security, yet in reality, it entrenches autocracy and economic stagnation.
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In Nigeria, the recent political clash between Senate President Godswill Akpabio and Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan highlights the deep-rooted institutional decay. Akpabio, leveraging his influence, has been accused of manipulating Senate proceedings and using political machinery to undermine a vocal advocate for transparency and accountability. This case is emblematic of a broader trend where state institutions are weaponized to silence dissent, control narratives, and protect political elites rather than serving the people.
Beyond individual cases, Nigeria’s broader governance failures further expose its institutional weaknesses:
- The government’s refusal to disclose terrorism financiers, despite intelligence provided by international partners, raises concerns about selective justice and the protection of vested interests.
- Anti-corruption agencies are used selectively, targeting opposition figures while shielding political allies, undermining their credibility.
- Electoral processes are controlled by a small elite, reducing democracy to a mere facade where power struggles dominate rather than genuine representation.
This scenario is not unique to Uganda and Nigeria. Other African nations like Zimbabwe under Emmerson Mnangagwa, Cameroon under Paul Biya, and Equatorial Guinea under Teodoro Obiang Nguema Mbasogo suffer similar governance challenges. Leaders have outgrown institutions, creating a system where national progress is contingent on individual rulers rather than institutional strength.
The Way Forward is to break the cycle
Africa’s crisis is not just political—it is also economic and technological. Without institutional reforms, judicial independence, and genuine electoral integrity, African nations will remain trapped in a political loop where governance is dictated not by principles, but by personalities.
At the same time, Africa must actively invest in AI, digital infrastructure, and future technologies to remain competitive in the global economy. The debate must move beyond politics—African governments and private sector leaders must align their interests to create a framework for sustainable growth.
The world is moving forward. Without these changes, Africa risks remaining in a political and economic loop, where governance is dictated not by principles, but by personalities. The choice is clear: either Africa wakes up and takes control of its future, or it continues being left behind in the global race for progress.
- Ambassador Owunne writes from UK
https://guardian.ng/news/world/african-union-expresses-deep-concern-over-crisis-in-ethiopias-tigray/
