An Interview with Dr. Asfa-Wossen

Dr Asfa-Wossen Asserate is an Ethiopian-German political analyst and consultant for African and Middle-Eastern Affairs and best-selling author.

Question 1: How can the collaboration between Africa and India, both experiencing rapid economic growth, with India being one of the largest democracies in the world, contribute to shaping a green future that aligns with Sustainable Development Goal 7 (affordable and clean energy) and Sustainable Development Goal 13 (climate action)?

Answer 1: It is an excellent opportunity for this great country which has over a billion population to interact with its African brothers and sisters. India has always been a great example for Africa, as far as its growth is concerned and its independence.
I’m not only talking about its political independence but also about its financial independence, which has been a great source of inspiration for many African leaders. And as you know India has played a very important role in BRICS, going above and beyond pushing for the inclusion of many African countries. For example, my country Ethiopia has now been admitted to the BRICS family.
We have had great problems with institutions in the West, at the IMF and various other international institutions regarding the development of Africa.
Collaboration would be an excellent chance for us to present our mutual problems and to find solutions for our problems and I really believe that Africa’s problems are the same in many ways as the problems of India. It is such a great hope for all of us to see that a country like India which was regarded as a third world country in the 1950s and 60s has now emerged to be able to be considered as one of the leading economies in the world.

Question 2: Speaking of explosive economic growth, can a partnership between the two regions contribute to Goal 9 industry innovation and infrastructure in a sustainable manner and Goal 12 responsible consumption? So far, a higher degree of industrialization mostly leads to an increase in irresponsible consumption habits. Do you think that an alliance not repeat the same mistakes?

Answer 2: I’m convinced that this can be the case because, as you know, India is one of the leading countries regarding innovative techniques, especially in the world of computers, computer technology and computer science. India is a leading country in this world and whatever experiences this vast country that had droughts and all other problems regarding the environment and how it applied its techniques to combat these world problems. I think Africa can benefit from a great wealth of knowledge in that regard.

Question 3: Do you think that an increase in knowledge transfer between the two regions could lead to better quality of education in the regions, more tailored to the local context?

Answer 3: I’m convinced that this will be the case. I’m terribly disappointed that there haven’t been any closer links between India and the African Union so far, especially with such a wealth of experience regarding all these innovative ideas that they would be the ideal partner for African governments and African businesses. It has not been as great until now as I hoped it would be.
Countries like India and other Asian countries must become great partners for African firms and African governments, and they should not stay in the background. As you know, the only major cooperation that is now taking place between Africa and Asia is the relationship Africa had with China for the last 20 years. And I think it is high time for us to also include other countries in Asia in a more involved role.
In the world we live in now, one lesson has become clear, we face global challenges with local solutions, and I believe South-South cooperation, especially in education and knowledge transfer will add new crucial perspectives and solutions, to the pool of tools we use to fight this global problem of climate change.