Legal Practitioner and Foreign Policy Analyst, Dr. Liborous Oshoma, has stressed that Africa can only command respect on the global stage if it builds strength from within rather than relying on external handouts.

Speaking on JoyNews’ The Probe on Sunday, September 28, he noted that the continent must move beyond rhetoric and position itself as a serious player in global affairs.

“For Africa to truly show that we have arrived and deserve to be taken seriously, the first thing is to look inward and demonstrate our own strength. The world is moving towards a knowledge-based economy.

“What are we doing about our curriculum, about tapping into Africa’s inner strengths? If we wait for the world to give us handouts and then turn around to beg for a place at the table, nobody will take us seriously,” he cautioned.

Dr. Oshoma drew parallels with U.S. foreign policy, citing former President Donald Trump’s unapologetic approach to global politics as an example of how nations that have consistently positioned themselves strategically can dictate terms. According to him, Africa must do the same by strengthening regional integration and adopting a common policy framework under the African Union (AU). “At this stage, I think Africa has outgrown the phase of seeking applause for fine speeches. What we need is tangible results and a united front. With a common goal at the AU level, it will be almost impossible for the world to ignore Africa’s narrative,” he added