African intellectual and philosopher, Dr. Joshua Maponga from Zimbabwe, has urged the continent’s youth to unite and work towards building a strong, self-reliant Africa capable of breaking free from poverty and external dependence.
Speaking to journalists in Dar es Salaam on Thursday, Dr. Maponga said political, economic, and ideological divisions among African nations have weakened the continent, leaving it dependent on foreign powers despite its vast natural and human resources.
He emphasized that Africa cannot achieve economic independence while remaining constrained by colonial-era borders.
According to him, continental unity is the foundation for a large market, collective production, and effective use of Africa’s resources.
“We cannot overcome poverty if every country continues to focus only on itself. Africa is one nation with different regions. Together, we can create a large market, a strong workforce, and a united economic voice globally,” Dr. Maponga said.
He challenged young Africans to define their desired future and take concrete steps to make it a reality.
“This is your moment to change history and shape tomorrow’s Africa. Africa’s challenges are Tanzania’s challenges. We must stop thinking of ourselves as separate nations; we are part of one Africa, with regions such as Tanzania, Zimbabwe, Uganda, and Kenya forming a single continental identity,” he added.
Dr. Maponga also highlighted the vision of a united Africa championed by Mwalimu Julius Nyerere, stressing that the dream now rests with the younger generation.
“The work and life of Nyerere laid the foundation for a united Africa. His influence extended beyond Tanzania, reaching across the continent. His close ally, Kwame Nkrumah, also contributed to shaping this continental vision,” he noted.
He further said that African unity would protect the continent’s resources, increase the value of its products before export, and expand intra-African trade, which remains limited compared to trade with foreign nations.
Dr. Maponga also underscored Tanzania’s historical role as a home for political leaders from Southern Africa.
“Without Tanzania, countries like South Africa, Zambia, Namibia, Zimbabwe, Mozambique, Uganda, and Kenya would have faced greater struggles for independence,” he said.
He concluded by urging African youth to embrace unity, collective action, and self-belief as key drivers for building a prosperous and globally influential Africa.