Africa Urged to Shift from Aid Dependence to Trade Growth
The Prime CS revealed that Kenya is spearheading several projects under bilateral agreements signed during President William Ruto’s recent tour of China.
Mudavadi underscored the growing importance of multilateralism in today's evolving world order. Photo/ Courtesy
By Juliet Jerotich
Prime Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi has urged Africa to leave its dependence on foreign aid and instead focus on building its trade and investment capacities. Addressing the 76th anniversary of the founding of the People’s Republic of China at the Chinese embassy in Nairobi, Mudavadi said the aid dependency era was no longer sustainable for Africa’s future.
He added that the changing global geopolitical, economic, and technological forces require African nations to turn their attention to self-reliance through stronger alliances that advance regional trade and mobilization of domestic resources.
Radical Policy Shifts Needed
Mudavadi urged African leaders to adopt “immediate, radical, and aggressive policy shifts” that will generate resources for significant development programs. Complacency, he insisted, would put African nations at the mercy of international trade risks.
He stressed the importance of reliable and predictable trade deals, noting that Africa’s economic resilience depends on stable partnerships with outsiders.
Capitalizing on the China-Africa Partnership
Granting China’s significant role in world trade, Mudavadi stressed the benefits of the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation (FOCAC). He explained how through this arrangement, Africa has notably advanced in infrastructure growth, governance, and technology transfer.
“China today is Africa’s largest bilateral development partner,” said Mudavadi, with major investment in infrastructure, agriculture, energy, health, and manufacturing. Chinese foreign direct investment (FDI) has also been crucial in financing public-private partnerships on the continent, he added.
Defending Kenya’s Trade Aspirations
The Prime CS revealed that Kenya is spearheading several projects under bilateral agreements signed during President William Ruto’s recent tour of China. These encompass the Standard Gauge Railway line to Kisumu and Malaba border construction, and dual carriageway of the highway from Rironi-Mau Summit to Malaba.
These ventures will not merely bring efficiency to commerce with Uganda but also provide avenues within the Great Lakes region,” he added. He also said that negotiations are under way to secure Kenya’s portion in the Free Preferential Trade Agreement under the FOCAC framework.
Strengthening Multilateralism
Mudavadi underscored the growing importance of multilateralism in today’s evolving world order. He commended China for upholding the Global South and called for more cooperation to achieve mutual prosperity.
“A world devoid of multilateralism is dangerous to mankind,” he warned, adding that demoralizing international cooperation would weaken the struggle against conflicts and sustainable development.”.
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