SNOW TV NEWS DESK
Nigerian lawyer and technology entrepreneur Osita Oparaugo has called on African leaders to rethink their approach to international influence, arguing that the continent must prioritize economic strength, political unity, and industrial development rather than continue relying on appeals for global recognition.
Oparaugo made the call while reacting to renewed demands by African leaders for greater representation in global decision-making, particularly reforms to the United Nations Security Council and a stronger African voice in international affairs.
He argued that Africa’s biggest problem is not the world’s reluctance to recognize its importance but the inability of its 54 countries to organize their collective economic and political strength.
According to him, the continent possesses enormous natural resources, a growing population, expanding markets, and a talented workforce, yet continues to weaken its global bargaining power through political divisions, restrictive borders, and limited trade among African countries.
“How can 54 nations demand that the world recognize their collective power when they have failed to organize that power collectively?” he asked.
The GetBundi Education Technology founder maintained that Africa must move beyond diplomatic speeches and declarations and focus on building strong economies capable of influencing international decisions.
He cited China’s economic transformation as an example of how sustained investment in manufacturing, infrastructure, technology, and domestic industries can turn a developing economy into a major global power.
Oparaugo also challenged African governments to reconsider their approach to foreign investment, particularly agreements that allow multinational companies to extract natural resources without creating sufficient local economic value.
He questioned why Africa continues to export raw materials such as lithium, crude oil, and cocoa, only to import expensive finished products made from those same resources.
He called for local processing, technology transfer, manufacturing, and job creation to become major conditions in agreements with foreign investors. He also recommended tax incentives for companies willing to establish processing plants and manufacturing facilities within African countries.
“Africa must stop exporting its wealth and importing its value,” he stressed.
On regional integration, Oparaugo urged governments to accelerate the implementation of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), improve cross-border payment systems, and remove unnecessary restrictions that make it difficult for Africans to trade, travel, and establish businesses across the continent.
He argued that a properly integrated African market would expand business opportunities, attract investment, and give local companies the capacity to compete internationally.
Beyond natural resources, he identified Africa’s youthful population as one of its greatest economic advantages, particularly in technology, entrepreneurship, software development, and the creative industries.
However, he warned that this potential could only be realized through sustained investment in education, digital skills, infrastructure, and access to opportunities.
Oparaugo ultimately urged African leaders to adopt an ‘Africa First’ approach, insisting that the continent must build its own economic strength before expecting greater influence on the global stage.
His central argument is that international respect is more likely to follow economic independence, industrial capacity, and continental cooperation than diplomatic demands alone.
“Sir Bartholomew White Ebe is a Lagos-based media personality, Music Artist, Producer, and a Relationship Coach and independent journalist. With over seven years of experience tracking political developments and cultural shifts in Nigeria, he specializes in local current affairs, grassroots politics, and community-driven reporting across Lagos State. As the founder and chief editor of Snow Multimedia Connect {SNOW TV}, he leads the editorial team to deliver verified, high-impact stories to digital audiences.”
Email: snowmediaconnect@gmail.com
