Amid trade war, there's need for Africa to take charge of her destiny

The announcement of new tariffs by the United States has sent the world into a spin. While this was not entirely unexpected, the depth and complexity of the retaliatory measures are likely to usher in a season of global uncertainty. This may mark the onset of a global recession, one that will be felt in every corner of the world. JP Morgan has already raised the probability of a global recession to 60 per cent.

While the heavy punches are being exchanged among developed nations, Africa is not immune. The heat on Third World countries will be experienced at various levels. As global powers focus on their priorities arising from the trade war, little attention will be given to Africa. The withdrawal of financial support in crucial sectors such as health, education, and humanitarian aid is just the beginning. The fiscal hole created will be absorbed by an already stretched exchequer. Critical programmes such as reproductive health, HIV, malaria, and TB, supplemented by USAID for decades, now face uncertainty.