Dr. Fomunyoh Urges Canadian Parliament to Embrace Capacity Building for Africa's Self-Sufficiency

Dr. Christopher Fomunyoh, a leading authority on democracy and governance, recently delivered a compelling address to the Canadian Senate, emphasizing the need for a shift towards capacity-building initiatives to empower African nations towards self-sufficiency.

Dr Christopher Fomumyoh, Senior Associate for Africa and Regional Director at the National Democratic Institute for International Affairs.

Speaking before the Standing Senate Committee on Foreign Affairs and International Trade on November 28, 2024, Dr. Fomunyoh highlighted the challenges and opportunities facing the continent, urging Canada to forge impactful partnerships with Africa.

   Drawing attention to Africa's demographic and resource significance, Dr. Fomunyoh underscored the continent's vast potential, with a population projected to reach 2.5 billion by 2050 and significant natural resources critical to global stability and prosperity.

   Despite these prospects, Africa grapples with systemic challenges such as climate change and internal conflicts, exacerbated by external influences. Dr. Fomunyoh warned against the rising tide of authoritarian regimes and foreign interference, emphasizing the importance of supporting democratic aspirations across the continent.

   In his address, Dr. Fomunyoh stressed the preference for democracy among African citizens and highlighted success stories like Senegal, where local governance and gender inclusion have driven progress. He urged Canada to leverage its credibility and values to support Africa's transition towards a brighter future, emphasizing investments in civil society, youth leadership, and grassroots organizations.

   A key focus of his message was the imperative to combat disinformation and promote food security and economic resilience. Dr. Fomunyoh advocated for a shift away from traditional aid models towards initiatives that foster self-sufficiency, integrating democratic reforms with sustainable development efforts.

   Highlighting the importance of trust in international partnerships, Dr. Fomunyoh envisioned a collaborative future between Africa and Canada based on mutual respect and shared prosperity. In all, his address was a sound call to action for stakeholders to move beyond rhetoric and commit to tangible, impactful measures in support of Africa’s democratic and developmental goals.