Nigerian academic and former Governor Kayode Fayemi has called for a rethinking of African sovereignty, arguing that it should be defined by a country’s capacity to govern effectively rather than by political independence alone.

Speaking at the annual Thabo Mbeki Annual Lecture in Cape Town, South Africa on Saturday, Fayemi said true sovereignty in the 21st century is reflected in a state’s ability to make independent economic and governance decisions without external pressure.

He argued that sovereignty should be measured by a country’s ability to feed its population, secure its borders, manage natural resources responsibly, educate its citizens and pursue strategic industrialisation.

Fayemi warned that without strong institutions, effective leadership and greater African solidarity, countries on the continent risk becoming increasingly dependent on external actors and losing influence in global affairs.

He said African nations must strengthen state capacity and policy independence if they are to achieve sustainable development and play a more influential role on the international stage.

–ChannelAfrica–