The global power dynamics are about to undergo a significant shift, particularly with China’s recent actions serving as a counter to Trump’s aggressive stance towards Europe, Canada, South Africa and other economic blocs and the international community. This development could lead more countries to align with China, and the growing BRICS economic bloc, which is capable of tilting the world economic order in favor of Europe and China. Therefore, it is essential to consider expanding the permanent membership of the UN Security Council, to accommodate more African countries, such as Nigeria, South Africa, Egypt and Algeria.
One aspect of the Trump’s presidency that a lot of countries, especially African have commended, is his open criticism of LGBQT+ issues. That is, “you are either a man or a woman”, pure and simple. This has been the unwavering stance of most African countries. However, his focus on prioritizing America, through his MAGA (Make America Great Again) mantra, clearly aligns with the sentiments of a huge segment of his voter base that harbors latent racist attitudes, reflecting the mindset of Donald J. Trump himself.
So what implications does a Trump administration hold for Africa?
1. Termination of USAID: Africa, despite being rich in resources, is often led by some of the most corrupt and incompetent leaders globally. Hence Africa’s over dependence on aid from the USA and other humanitarian bodies. It is time that Africa reviews its governance structure to plug the loop holes and drains on its resources in order to channel them to infrastructural and human development initiatives.
1. Deportation of undocumented Africans and Latinos has been one of his administration’s priorities. While considerations are given to Afrikaansof South Africa for settlement in the USA; which only with time, create its own social unrest and disturbances.
2. Africa’s Conspicuous Consumption: Reports indicate that during global meetings like the UN General Assembly, many African leaders opt for extravagant hotel accommodations in cities like New York, Washington DC, Paris, or Dubai, while leaders from wealthier nations choose more modest lodgings.
3. The phenomenon of sudden wealth accumulation among public officials in Nigeria, and other African countries, who get elevated from local council members to governors and MPs, with sudden change in lifestyles and arrogance, raises questions about accountability and transparency.
4. The mysterious funding of political parties and candidates without a clear source of income is another troubling trend in African politics.
5. It is crucial to investigate the much criticized Security Votes allocated to Nigeria’s governors, which are never subject to public and accounting scrutiny, as Its accounting practices and management are not in line with any Public Accounting Standards.
6. When will the Nigerian federal government implement policies that nurture local industries, such as patronizing the automobile, textile and other ingenious manufacturing and industrial sectors?
7. The government should also promptly consider divesting from the ownership and management of several secondary schools and universities, many of which have fallen into disrepair and no longer foster academic excellence.
8. As the global community advances towards a technological future dominated by Artificial Intelligence, Africa seems to be lagging far behind, lacking a foothold in this technological race of artificial intelligence that is currently led by the USA, China, and other developed nations.
For context, as of May 2024, there are 11,800 data centers worldwide, with the top ten countries housing the majority:
1. USA – 5,388
2. Germany – 520
3. UK – 512
4. China – 449
5. Canada – 336
6. France – 316
7. Australia – 306
8. Netherlands – 300
9. Russia – 255
10. Japan – 218
In contrast, Africa collectively has only 179 data centers, distributed among the top ten nations:
1. South Africa – 47
2. Kenya – 18
3. Nigeria – 16
4. Mauritius – 10
5. Angola – 8
6. Ghana – 8
7. Algeria – 5
8. Morocco – 5
9. Ethiopia – 5
10. Côte D’Ivoire – 5
This stark contrast highlights that much of the data crucial for developing AI models, including those relevant to Africa, is processed outside the continent. It raises concerns about inherent biases in these algorithms, particularly given the gender dynamics among developers.
The creation of AI algorithms and models requires significant capital and resources, especially in terms of electricity and water for data center operations.
To truly advance, Africa needs a new generation of leaders across its fifty-four nations—leaders who can form diverse teams of tech-savvy professionals skilled in finance and engineering. This is a far cry from the current leadership seen within the African Union. The idea of “Africa Rising” remains an unfulfilled promise. Achieving this vision will require a transformation in leadership recruitment across the continent, paving the way for dedicated and well-trained leaders. Without such a change, Africa risks remaining on the margins of the Fourth Industrial Revolution.
The recent developments in the Nigeria polity leave much to be desired, and speechless. I find it overwhelming- for me as a Nigerian who has been an advocate for good and responsible governance for decades to see Nigeria sink into the low of lows, with the Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan versus Senator Godswill sexual harassment accusations, with the snowballing into the Oby Ezekwesili, and Senator Nwaebonyi saga further drag Nigerian political elites in the gutter. I had resisted jumping into the fray of these discussions, because there are already more than enough commentators on both issues. But what is clear in Nigeria, is that when you think that we have hit the lowest, another shock, pushes us forward to the lowest of low.
