Agba Jalingo Unpacks Europe’s History with Foreign Aid and A Lesson for Africa
In a surprising revelation by a Nigerian journalist and activist, Citizen Agba Jalingo, it has come to light that Western Europe, once a beacon of economic prosperity, was not always self-sufficient.
In fact, after World War II, the region relied heavily on foreign aid to rebuild its economies. This little-known history holds valuable lessons for Africa, which currently faces similar challenges.
In the aftermath of World War II, European industries lay in ruins, and standards of living had plummeted. It was against this backdrop that US Secretary of State George Marshall proposed the Economic Recovery Act, popularly known as the Marshall Plan. Signed in 1947, the plan saw the United States contribute $13.3 billion (approximately $150 billion in today’s dollars) to 16 European nations between 1948 and 1951.
The Marshall Plan was a structural adjustment program that prioritized economic growth over politics, transforming the European industrial landscape. Within two decades, the aid-dependent countries had bounced back to self-sufficiency, with some even becoming aid donors themselves.
Fast-forward to Africa, where Nigeria, in particular, has been receiving foreign assistance since gaining independence in 1960.
According to data from the Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development, Nigeria received over $36.16 billion in official development assistance between 2015 and 2022. However, the impact of this aid remains unclear, raising questions about its effective utilization.
Citizen Agba Jalingo, in a thought-provoking commentary, highlights the need for Africa to learn from Europe’s experience.
While foreign aid can be a tool of foreign control, Citizen Jalingo argued that Africa should strive to use its own resources to drive development, rather than relying on external assistance.
This poignant observation underscores the importance of self-sufficiency and economic independence.
As Africa navigates its own development journey, it would do well to draw lessons from Europe’s history with foreign aid.
By doing so, the continent can unlock its full potential and forge a path towards sustainable growth and prosperity.
