Skip to main content

From Control to Cooperation: Why Europe Must Rethink Its Relationship with Africa

As the global economy adjusts to the ongoing trade war between the United States and China, one continent has become increasingly central to future power dynamics: Africa.

Rich in natural resources, demographic vitality, and economic potential, Africa stands poised to shape the 21st century. Yet much of the continent still grapples with the enduring legacies of colonialism.

One of the most persistent symbols of that legacy is the CFA franc a currency system created by France in 1945 and still used today by 14 African countries.

For France and other former colonial powers, this is a defining moment.

Will they cling to outdated systems of control masked as cooperation, or will they rise to meet the urgency of the moment by supporting African nations on the path to full sovereignty, economic independence, and regional leadership?

The CFA Franc: Stability or Subjugation?

The CFA franc was originally introduced to stabilize France’s colonial economies in West and Central Africa. Today, it is still pegged to the euro and supported by French guarantees.

Supporters of the system argue it brings fiscal discipline, low inflation, and reliable convertibility. On the surface, these are valuable traits, especially in regions susceptible to macroeconomic shocks.

But beneath this veneer of stability lies a troubling reality. Until recent reforms in 2019, countries using the CFA franc were required to deposit 50% of their foreign exchange reserves into French Treasury accounts a policy that, though modified, was widely seen as a form of economic dependency.

Decisions about monetary policy were influenced or directly overseen by representatives from the French government. Even now, critics argue that the structure prevents African nations from tailoring fiscal responses to local crises, like pandemics, conflicts, or commodity shocks.

While the West African Economic and Monetary Union (WAEMU) has begun taking steps to reform the currency including ending the mandatory deposit of reserves and planning a transition to the “Eco” currency many see these as largely symbolic unless accompanied by deeper political and economic changes.

A Turning Point in Global Competition

The CFA franc debate is part of a larger context. Africa is not merely a passive player in global affairs it is increasingly being courted by global powers. China, through its Belt and Road Initiative, has invested billions in African infrastructure, ports, and mining.

The United States, wary of China's expanding influence, has been recalibrating its trade and development policies toward the continent.

In this new reality, Europe and particularly France risks being left behind. If former colonial powers continue to interact with African nations through frameworks that reflect old hierarchies and economic paternalism, they will not only lose political goodwill but also strategic access to emerging markets, natural resources, and diplomatic partnerships.

This is no longer just a historical or ethical issue. It is a matter of geopolitical survival.

 

Moving From Exploitation to Partnership

To remain relevant, Europe must stop viewing Africa as a zone of influence and begin treating it as a partner.

This means several key shifts in policy and attitude:

·       Systems like the CFA franc must evolve or be replaced with mechanisms that truly reflect African agency and sovereignty. Token reforms are insufficient. Monetary unions should be governed by Africans, for Africans.

·       Instead of extractive relationships based on raw material exports, Europe should prioritize investments in African manufacturing, technology, and renewable energy. This supports sustainable growth and creates jobs that reduce the push factors of migration.

·       Development assistance and trade agreements must be built around respect, not conditions that echo colonial tutelage. The age of dictating economic policy from Paris, London, or Brussels is over.

·       Europe can support Africa’s long-term growth through meaningful partnerships in higher education, vocational training, and digital literacy building the next generation of leaders, scientists, and entrepreneurs.

Beyond the Past: A Shared Future

Critics of these ideas often argue that Africa is not ready to “go it alone,” or that the CFA franc’s removal could destabilize already fragile economies.

But such arguments echo the very logic used to justify colonial rule that Africans need external guardianship. In reality, African nations are already asserting themselves through initiatives like the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), the African Union’s Agenda 2063, and regional economic blocs.

Europe can either help accelerate this movement or be sidelined by new players who offer fewer lectures and more deals. The choice is clear.

As global supply chains shift, and as the world reckons with climate change, demographic transformation, and economic inequality, Africa’s role will only grow. Europe, with its historic ties and shared cultures, is uniquely positioned to become Africa’s closest ally if it chooses cooperation over control.

Conclusion

The CFA franc is more than just a currency. It is a symbol of a relationship stuck in the past. If Europe wants to play a meaningful role in Africa’s future, it must support policies that advance true sovereignty, economic resilience, and regional leadership.

The world is watching. Africa is rising. And it’s time for Europe to catch up not by dictating the terms, but by listening, learning, and finally walking side by side.

Kuala Lumpur.

03.05.2025

© All rights are reserved.

Comments

Popular posts from this blog

Constitution of Malaysia: An Introduction Part 5

7 (1) No person shall be punished for an act or omission which was not punishable by law when it was done or made, and no person shall suffer greater punishment for an offence than was prescribed by law at the time it was committed. (2) A person who has been acquitted or convicted of an offence shall not be tried again for the same offence except where the conviction or acquittal has been quashed and a retrial ordered by a court superior to that by which he was acquitted or convicted.

Brexit: A lesson for Malaysians

Yesterday, Britons through a referendum made a decision to leave European Union. The ruling Conservative Party divided on this referendum and David Cameron in favour of ‘Remain’ was defeated outright. Even though he is disagreed with the decision of Britons, he announced that he is resigning from his premiership in respect of people’s decision. We can expect in a mature democracy country like United Kingdom this is vastly anticipated to be transpired.   A few days ago, the current Chief Commissioner of Malaysian Anti-Corruption of Commission made a statement that he is stepping down from his position and there are some rumours indicating that a few prominent officers from the said Commission will either resign or retire. It’s very eccentric news for Malaysians as it will have a profound impact on bribery and corruption issues in Malaysia as a whole. Recently, the results of two by elections were won by Barisan Nasional, the ruling party of Malaysia. Many promises had been...

Trump's role in the Israel-Hamas ceasefire

As the Israel-Hamas ceasefire, scheduled to commence on Jan 19, 2025, approaches, it is essential to examine the potential impact of president-elect Donald Trump on this event and Middle East security. Considering Trump’s past foreign policy actions, especially those concerning Israel, alongside the wider geopolitical environment, his prospective role in shaping the ceasefire and future peace initiatives is intricate and layered. Historical influence Trump’s initial term as president was characterised by a robust endorsement of Israel, a position that resonated with his domestic political supporters and simultaneously altered US foreign policy, thereby impacting the wider dynamics of the Middle East. Key actions during this period included the formal acknowledgement of Jerusalem as the capital of Israel, the transfer of the US embassy to that city, and the withdrawal from the 2015 Iran nuclear agreement. These measures solidified his rapport with Israeli leadership and exemplified his ...