When people talk about African states,
they often use the term "developing" country.
And in my opinion, the problem with this term is that
it is always the wealthy and so called
"developed" industrialized countries that serve as a point of comparison.
Thus a demarcation takes place, in the sense of “we are better and more advanced”,
“we have to help the others in their development.”
However, historical and colonial contexts
are often completely disregarded,
as is the general question of what development actually means.
So finally I ask myself whether partnerships
at eye level can evolve at all on such a basis?
That's an interesting question.
Establishing partnerships between the so-called developed
and developing countries is possible and desirable.
However, we need to take into account
historical and colonial contexts.
After the Second World War,
there was colonization and modernization
which led to underdevelopment.
After the independence of African states.
The West remained interested in African resources
while Africa remained in need of aid
Aid is important,
but it promotes dependency.
It comes with the conditionality
and often ends up in false hands.
We need genuine partnership,
which promotes human dignity and people-centered development.