Samuel Mbewe
Lusaka, Zambia – Renowned engineer Professor Clive Chirwa has called on African leaders to look inward and find local solutions to develop their countries, rather than relying on foreign aid.
Professor Chirwa, in a passionate address, emphasized that Africa is rich in natural resources, and it is time for the continent to harness these resources for its own growth and sustainability.
Speaking at a recent conference in Lusaka organized by The Zambia Research and Development Centre (ZRDC) whose Chairman is Dr. Richard Silumbe of the opposition Leadership Movement Professor Chirwa stressed that African nations should focus on adding value to their mineral resources and other raw materials, instead of continually depending on external funding.
“Africa is endowed with vast resources, and it is high time that we stopped begging for aid and started using what we have to build our economies,” he said.
He pointed out that many African countries, despite their wealth in resources, continue to struggle economically because they fail to process and add value to the raw materials they produce.
“Instead of exporting unprocessed minerals, Africa should be focusing on establishing industries that can transform these resources into finished products,” Professor Chirwa added. This, he believes, would help the continent become more self-sufficient and reduce its dependence on foreign countries.
Professor Chirwa also criticized the idea of revamping the Lobito Corridor, describing it as an outdated approach that does not address the real developmental needs of Zambia and the broader African continent.
He argued that such projects, which focus on infrastructure that primarily serves external markets, are not sufficient to drive real economic progress. “The Lobito Corridor is old-fashioned, and its revival has nothing to do with the development needs of Zambia,” he stated.
The professor also raised concerns over Africa’s heavy reliance on imports. “It is alarming that 99% of the products used across Africa are imported.
This is unsustainable and detrimental to our local industries and job creation,” he remarked. He called for more investment in local manufacturing and the creation of industries that can meet the continent’s growing demand for goods and services.
Professor Chirwa’s comments are a part of an ongoing conversation about Africa’s economic future. As the continent faces numerous challenges, including unemployment, poverty, and reliance on foreign assistance, there is an increasing call for homegrown solutions.
Leaders across the continent are being urged to rethink economic strategies, focusing on local resource utilization, sustainable industrialization, and the growth of local businesses.
The discussion surrounding value addition and local development is critical as African nations strive to achieve economic independence and improve the livelihoods of their people. Professor Chirwa’s message serves as a timely reminder of the importance of looking within the continent to find the solutions needed for its future growth.
