Prime Minister Drew Declares Economic Sovereignty as the Next Chapter for a Global Africa

The Prime Minister of St. Kitts and Nevis, Hon. Dr. Terrance Drew, delivered a powerful address at the Intra-African Trade Fair in Algiers, emphasizing the urgent need for Africa and its diaspora to unite and achieve economic sovereignty. Speaking during Global Africa Diaspora Day, Prime Minister Drew joined other Caribbean leaders in highlighting the historical interconnectedness of the African continent and its diaspora, particularly the Caribbean, and stressed the importance of this shared history in shaping the current movement towards a unified and economically empowered “Global Africa.”

Dr. Drew traced the deep roots of Pan-Africanism, invoking the influential words of Marcus Garvey, a prominent Pan-Africanist leader, and emphasizing the critical role the diaspora has played in Africa’s liberation struggles. He highlighted the historical contributions of figures like Toussaint Louverture of Haiti and Caribbean intellectuals who participated in the pivotal 1945 Pan-African Congress in Manchester, alongside African leaders like Kwame Nkrumah and Jomo Kenyatta, and the prominent Pan-Africanist scholar W.E.B. Du Bois. This historical context, Dr. Drew argued, underscores the enduring and evolving nature of the Pan-African movement, demonstrating that the current push for unity is not a novel concept but rather a continuation of a long and arduous journey towards liberation.

The Prime Minister asserted that the current phase of this journey must focus on achieving economic sovereignty. Having overcome the historical challenges of slavery, colonization, and the fight for political independence, Dr. Drew positioned economic empowerment as the next crucial step in the collective liberation of Africa and its diaspora. He argued that this economic advancement is not simply a regional aspiration but a vital component of global progress, emphasizing that the upliftment of Africa and its people will inherently contribute to the betterment of humanity as a whole. He rejected the notion of a fragmented and separated Africa, advocating for a vision of interconnectedness and shared prosperity.

Dr. Drew’s call to action centered on the tangible benefits that a unified “Global Africa” can achieve. He emphasized the importance of increased trade and investment within the continent and between Africa and its diaspora. He also highlighted the potential for cultural flourishing and poverty reduction as key outcomes of this collaborative effort. Crucially, he stressed the importance of peace and unity within Africa and across its diaspora, urging for internal resolution of conflicts and challenges. Dr. Drew expressed unwavering confidence in the unstoppable momentum of the movement towards a unified and empowered “Global Africa.”

Dr. Drew’s address serves as a potent reminder of the historical depth and ongoing relevance of the Pan-African movement. His emphasis on economic sovereignty as the next critical stage in the collective liberation of Africa and its diaspora provides a clear and actionable focus for future endeavors. The Prime Minister’s unwavering belief in the potential of a united “Global Africa” to benefit not only the continent but also humanity as a whole offers a powerful and inspiring vision for the future. His call for internal conflict resolution and unity within Africa and its diaspora underscores the importance of self-determination and collaborative problem-solving in achieving this ambitious goal.

In essence, Dr. Drew’s speech encapsulates a powerful message of hope and determination. He framed the pursuit of economic sovereignty as a logical progression in the ongoing struggle for liberation and positioned the rise of “Global Africa” not just as an achievable goal but as an inevitable force for positive change in the world. His emphasis on tangible benefits like trade, investment, cultural flourishing, and poverty reduction provides a practical framework for realizing this vision. By grounding his argument in the rich history of Pan-Africanism and emphasizing the interconnectedness of Africa and its diaspora, Dr. Drew presented a compelling case for a unified and empowered future.