South African political activist and leader of the Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF), Mr Julius Malema, has called on African nations to unite against external forces seeking to divide and exploit the continent.
Speaking on Sunday at the opening of the 2025 Annual General Conference of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) at the International Conference Centre, Enugu, Malema warned against imperialist interference in Africa’s affairs.
“We want the land of Africa returned to Africans. We want African minerals restored to the continent because they belong to our people,” he declared.
He stressed the need to build industries within Africa to process natural resources locally rather than allowing foreign powers to continue extraction for their own gain. According to him, Africa possesses the capacity to industrialise and must resist imperialist dominance.
Malema further demanded a borderless continent. “We want one Africa — with one president, one currency, one military command and one parliament,” he said, arguing that a unified African currency would surpass the American dollar in strength. “We are not subjects of foreign policies.”
Challenging negative stereotypes, he added: “We are not a dark continent. How can we be dark when diamonds shine among us? We are a shining nation.”
The activist insisted that Pan-African solidarity was the only sustainable way forward. “Our salvation will not come from Washington, London, Brussels, or Beijing. It lies in Africa itself,” he stated.
Calling for stronger cooperation between Nigeria and South Africa, Malema urged both countries to lead efforts in transforming the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) from a mere document into a practical tool for improving citizens’ lives.
“Together, we can demand fair trade, protect industries, and invest in education, technology, and innovation. Africa is not a begging power but a continent of giants,” he said.
Malema also emphasised the rejection of xenophobia and the promotion of mutual respect among Africans. “We cannot mistreat one another and expect outsiders to treat us better. The unity of Africa is paramount,” he added.
