Many of us could not wait to say goodbye to 2020, and with it the pandemic that brought changes we would never have thought possible.
With the advent of Covid-19 vaccines comes hope of an eventual return to something closer to normality. Critical to resumption of all the activities we have missed – face-to-face meetings, workshops, seminars and conferences bringing together large groups – is that vaccine reaches everyone.
Governments and international organisations must work together to make this happen. Supplies must be made available in all corners of the continent, and people must be educated about the importance of taking up vaccination.
This month implementation of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) kicks off among the countries that have ratified the agreement. Despite the post-pandemic challenges, it is expected to make Africa more open and accessible to intra-regional trade and a stronger force in inter-regional trade.
With more goods and labour able to move freely around the continent, there are expectations for growth in output and, ultimately, quicker strides towards development.
As we recover from the effects of the pandemic, there is optimism that this market of 1.4 billion people will attract greater investment to Africa from the rest of the world, and these capital inflows will support the march towards development in the longer term.
This integration of trade could ultimately lead to closer political ties, and a coalescing of structures and institutions that will help make the continent stronger.
There is also optimism that an African may take the helm at the World Trade Organization (WTO), which could provide a boost to the AfCFTA.
As the WTO director general selection exercise reaches its conclusion early this year, the expectation is that former Nigerian finance minister Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala will assume office as director general, becoming the first woman and the first African to occupy the position. Her appointment could come at no better time, as AfCFTA will likely find a friendly face at the Geneva headquarters of the WTO, opening the way for the continent to make its voice heard to a greater extent in matters of global trade.
Integration of trade in Africa could ultimately lead to closer political ties, and a coalescing of structures and institutions that will help make the continent stronger
Change the narrative
This year, too, presidential or general elections will be held in countries including Ethiopia, Morocco, Cape Verde, Chad, Republic of Congo, São Tomé and Zambia. These votes provide another opportunity for Africans to choose leaders who will do good by the people.
Poor leadership has kept the continent stunted for decades, and each election is a chance to change that narrative. Africans, especially our youth, must take the choice of leaders seriously as that choice will determine where the nations and the continent go.
Going into 2021 there is much optimism on the continent, and we hope that the year will be one in which Africa takes a substantive step towards realising its potential.
