By Fanuel Chinowaita
Africa Day is meant to be a moment of unity, pride, and reflection on the continent’s journey toward liberation and self-determination. Yet, for many Africans, the day is overshadowed by the harsh reality that our wealth continues to be stripped away by foreign powers, corrupt elites, and a global economic system designed to keep Africa dependent.
The diamonds of Chiadzwa are gone. The gold of Penhalonga, Kwekwe, and Chimanimani has been dug up and shipped out. The lithium of Buhera is being carted away in bulk, just as the cobalt and copper of the DRC have fueled the world’s industries while leaving its people in poverty.
Mozambique’s coal enriches Indian corporations, while its own people see only crumbs. South Africa’s president must still go to the White House to defend his nation against false narratives, while the real economic violence against Black South Africans goes ignored.
So, what exactly are we celebrating?
The bitter truth is that political independence did not translate into economic freedom. The colonial masters may have left in name, but their systems remained repackaged under globalization, “foreign investment,” and “trade agreements” that ensure Africa remains the world’s quarry, not its boardroom.
Our leaders, far from being revolutionary guardians of the people’s resources, have too often become middlemen in this grand looting scheme, signing away mineral rights for personal gain while hospitals lack medicine and schools crumble.
Yet, Africa Day still matters not because we have achieved true freedom, but because it reminds us that the fight is not over. The same spirit that drove the anti-colonial struggles must now be directed toward economic justice. We must demand:
Why should Mozambique get only 3.4% of profits from its own coal? Why should foreign corporations walk away with 96% of the wealth dug from African soil?
Africa must stop exporting raw materials only to buy them back as finished products at inflated prices. Our lithium should power African factories, not just European and Chinese electric cars.
Those who sign away our resources for kickbacks must face consequences. The people must reclaim ownership of their nations’ wealth.
The exploitation thrives on division. If African nations unite to set fair terms for extraction, the world will have no choice but to listen.
Africa Day should not be a hollow celebration. It should be a day of reckoning, a reminder that political freedom was only the first battle. The real war is for economic sovereignty. Until we win that war, our diamonds, gold, and lithium will keep enriching others while our people remain poor.
So yes, Happy Africa Day, but let it be a day of resistance, not just empty pride. The struggle continues.