‘Africa is trapped’: Mahama warns of a ‘triple dependency’ pandemic in historical Zambia deal with – Life Pulse Daily

Introduction

In a striking address delivered at Zambia’s National Assembly on February 5, 2026, Ghanaian President John Dramani Mahama delivered a sobering warning about Africa’s current state. He described the continent as trapped in what he termed a “triple dependency pandemic” – a complex web of economic, security, and social challenges that threaten Africa’s hard-won sovereignty. This powerful message, delivered during his three-day state visit to Zambia, has sparked important conversations about the future direction of African development and self-determination.

Key Points

Background

The Historical Context

Africa’s struggle for true independence extends beyond the political victories of the mid-20th century. While the previous generation secured political sovereignty, the current generation faces the more complex challenge of achieving economic and social independence. This reality forms the backdrop for President Mahama’s urgent call for a “reset” in how Africa engages with the world.

The Current State of African Dependencies

The “triple dependency” framework highlights interconnected challenges facing the continent:

1. Security Dependencies: Many African nations rely heavily on foreign military assistance, training, and equipment for national defense and internal security operations.
2. Social Dependencies: Health systems and educational institutions often depend on international donor funding and expertise, creating vulnerabilities when aid priorities shift.
3. Economic Dependencies: The continent’s mineral wealth is exported in raw form, with value addition occurring elsewhere, while finished products are imported at premium prices.

Analysis

The Economic Implications

President Mahama’s analysis points to a fundamental economic challenge: Africa possesses vast natural resources but captures minimal value from them. This creates a cycle where raw materials leave the continent, are transformed into valuable products elsewhere, and then return as expensive imports. This dynamic not only limits economic growth but also perpetuates dependency relationships.

The Security Dimension

The security dependency issue raises questions about true sovereignty. When a nation cannot defend itself without external assistance, its ability to make independent decisions becomes compromised. This creates a complex relationship where security needs can influence political and economic choices.

The Social Impact

Social dependencies in health and education create vulnerabilities that can be exploited or disrupted by changing donor priorities. When essential services rely on external funding, the ability to plan long-term and maintain consistent quality becomes challenging.

Practical Advice

For African Policymakers

1. Prioritize Value Addition: Develop policies that encourage local processing of raw materials before export.
2. Strengthen Regional Cooperation: Build stronger intra-African trade relationships to reduce dependency on external markets.
3. Invest in Human Capital: Focus on education and skills development to build local capacity in critical sectors.
4. Diversify Funding Sources: Explore alternative financing mechanisms beyond traditional aid models.

For International Partners

1. Support Capacity Building: Focus on developing local expertise rather than creating dependency.
2. Respect Sovereignty: Engage in partnerships that strengthen rather than undermine local decision-making.
3. Promote Fair Trade: Support policies that enable fair value capture for African resources.

FAQ

Conclusion

President Mahama’s address to the Zambian National Assembly represents a critical moment in Africa’s ongoing journey toward genuine sovereignty and prosperity. His identification of the “triple dependency” pandemic provides a clear framework for understanding the interconnected challenges facing the continent. The proposed Accra Reset Initiative offers a path forward that emphasizes pragmatism, transparency, and the leveraging of Africa’s inherent advantages.

The success of this reset will require concerted action from African leaders, international partners, and civil society. It demands moving beyond traditional aid models toward genuine partnerships that build capacity and enable value addition. Most importantly, it requires recognizing that political independence was only the first step – true sovereignty requires economic and social transformation as well.

As the global landscape continues to evolve, Africa’s ability to chart its own course will depend on its success in breaking free from these dependencies and building sustainable, self-reliant systems. The time for action is now, and the framework for that action has been clearly articulated. The question remains whether the continent’s leaders and people will seize this moment to reset the narrative and secure Africa’s future.