African Nations Should Emulate Eritrea: African Development Bank President

(In Eritrea), I have seen the future of Africa – and it works

Abdul Rahman Mohamed Babu

Those were the first words of Abdul Rahman Mohamed Babu, the Zanzibari Politician, Scholar, and Revolutionary, about what he had seen firsthand in Eritrea after returning from his first visit to the liberated areas in 1985. This observation was as much a testimony of Eritrea at the time as it was a prophecy for Africa today.

But what exactly did he see? What novel state of things did he find? What constructive work was going on in the midst, moreover, of an existential struggle, that so moved this great revolutionary to make that epic observation – and as avid historians recall, immediately and unconditionally give to the Eritrean cause of liberation the full measure of his journalistic talents in writings and public lectures? To those questions, we can only speculate about the answers. What is without a doubt is that only now is his testimony being taken seriously by people in Africa. Earlier this week, Akinwumi A. Adesina, the President of the African Development Bank, tweeted a 115-word exposition echoing that testimony in at least eight theses. He too had just returned from Eritrea and couldn’t resist bearing witness firsthand.

The factuality of these theses is what I expound here, not so much as to claim an exclusive comprehension of them, but because it is well worth repeating to ourselves all the revelations Adesina made if only to keep them fresh in our minds, but more than that, to locate Africa’s present within the materialization of Babu’s prophecy, and hopefully inspire other African countries to emulate the Eritrean model.

Eritreans have a Passion to Develop

First, Adesina noted that the Eritrean people have a “passion to develop”. This no doubt stemmed from his observation of their determination and enthusiasm to improve their country’s socioeconomic conditions during his short stint there. This observation dispels the misconception that previously labeled Eritrea’s National Service Program as ‘forced labor.’ In reality, this program, which requires all able-bodied Eritreans to serve in national security and development service roles for a period, not only instills the right work ethic but also cultivates a strong and disciplined workforce that passionately lends itself to the arduous tasks of nation-building, necessary to keep Eritrea independent and self-reliant.

Incredible resilience and self-reliance

Secondly, Adesina observed that the Eritrean people are ‘resilient and self-reliant.’ This too stems from the fact that despite attempts by the country’s enemies to isolate Eritrea and choke off its economic, social, and political life, the Eritrean people, instead of capitulating, have adapted by finding innovative solutions to their challenges, relying only on themselves.

This spirit of resilience and self-reliance is reminiscent of the disposition that likely inspired Babu, who, unlike Adesina, visited Eritrea during its liberation war. At that time, he encountered a people engaged in a solitary struggle for liberation, without the patronage or assistance of external forces, relying on their own resources and ingenuity to sustain and eventually liberate themselves. Today is no different, as the country has developed its own strategies for economic development, food security, and nation-building.

In Eritrea, corruption is zero percent

Thirdly, Adesina expressed his amazement at discovering that corruption in Eritrea is at zero percent. While some initially doubted this claim, it’s worth noting that such observations are not new for those who have worked in Eritrea. Even the Executive Chairman of Danakali, an Australian mining company, previously confessed about Eritrea, stating, “The system is transparent, and there is zero corruption.” To address any skepticism, he added, “I know that some people might find that unusual, but it is one of those refreshingly unusual things.”

In any case, Eritrea maintains an exceptionally clean and corruption-free environment, thanks to stringent anti-corruption measures, robust institutional frameworks, and effective governance structures. Public resources are allocated equitably, public services are delivered impartially, and the country is an attractive destination for foreign investments and symmetrical development partnerships.

Capacity for pharmaceuticals meets all WHO standards

Fourthly, Adesina revealed that Eritrea’s pharmaceutical capacity meets all World Health Organization (WHO) standards, citing a UN Senior official. This affirmation underscores Eritrea’s pharmaceutical industry’s alignment with international quality and safety guidelines established by the WHO. Essentially, it indicates that Eritrea’s pharmaceutical infrastructure, manufacturing procedures, and product quality control adhere to the world’s best practices for producing medications that are safe, effective, and of high quality.

This achievement shouldn’t come as a surprise, given the country is already reaping the rewards of this accomplishment. It boasts the highest life expectancy in the region, and it has the second-lowest child mortality rate. In practice, therefore, Eritrea has the capability to produce pharmaceuticals that can be trusted not only within the country but also on the international stage. These can be exported, and are eligible for inclusion in global healthcare programs, partnerships, and collaborations.

The capacity and first-rate skills of Eritrean engineers

Fifthly, Adesina observed that the “Skills of Eritrean Engineers are exceptional and should be shared with other African countries.” This view on Eritrean Engineers is obviously informed by his background and position within the African Development Bank, an organization that considers “academic and research institutions producing well-trained engineers” as a “critical source of resilience.” But more than that, his perspective was shaped not only by the high caliber of engineering expertise he observed in the numerous projects he visited across Eritrea but also by the selfless dedication with which Eritrean engineers were applying their ingenuity, prioritizing their country’s interests over personal gain, in contrast to the profit-driven motives often seen in capitalist monopolies elsewhere.

Very simple President, with a salary of $6,000 per year

Adesina’s sixth observation centers on the character of Eritrea’s President, Isaias Afwerki. He noted that President Afwerki is not only passionate about his country’s development but also leads a remarkably simple lifestyle – in stark contrast to the extravagant lifestyles often associated with politicians in Africa. His modest annual salary of $6,000 ($400 to $500 monthly) underscores a lifelong commitment to public service and to the well-being of his nation over personal financial gain.

For those unfamiliar with President Isaias, or who have only encountered him through hostile foreign media, it might appear almost cultic that nearly four million Eritreans love and are devoted to his ideas. However, for Eritreans who encounter him daily in Asmara and even non-Eritreans fortunate enough to engage with him during his occasional foreign visits, it is only natural that one cannot resist a man whose whole life philosophy is a simplification of the complex spiritual, economic, and political aspirations of his people and fellow Africans. 

Eritrea has highly committed people

Seventhly, just before his final point, Adesina testified to a significant characteristic of the Eritrean people: their remarkable commitment and devotion to their country. This observation highlights a fundamental trait of the Eritrean populace that deeply influences the nation’s resilience, development, and survival as an independent state. Eritreans display an unwavering dedication to their country’s progress, often going above and beyond the call of duty. Whether it’s in their roles as citizens contributing to national development or their active participation in the country’s self-reliance efforts, Eritreans exhibit an exceptional level of commitment. This commitment is evident not only among those residing in Eritrea but also within the Eritrean diaspora, where individuals remain fully supportive of the ongoing nation-building efforts back home.

Eritrea has all it takes to rapidly grow and thrive

Finally, Adesina asserts, based on his firsthand observations and experiences, that “Eritrea has all it takes to grow and thrive”. This final thesis underscores Eritrea’s unique standing in Africa, where terms like resilience and self-reliance can be used without exaggeration. As previously mentioned, the spirit of self-reliance, the predisposition to ‘making the most of what one has,’ is deeply ingrained in the Eritrean ethos, dating back to their days of armed struggle for liberation.

This spirit is evident not only in the military sphere but also in the country’s political and economic life. On the political front, Eritrea’s resilience and self-reliance are manifested in its uniquely structured governance system, which is organically tailored to the African context. Economically, Eritrea stands out as a thriving nation that is free from endemic debt and independent of foreign aid. Indeed, the country’s currency, the Nafka, derives its name from the mountain stronghold where the revolutionary EPLF was headquartered, a symbol of unwavering resilience during the liberation struggle. Today, it embodies the belief held by every Eritrean that even in the face of significant adversity or siege, Eritrea can thrive with the limited resources at hand.

Final Words

The profound words of Abdul Rahman Mohamed Babu, echoing from his 1985 visit to Eritrea, resonate with the contemporary observations of Akinwumi A. Adesina, President of the African Development Bank. Both bear witness to a nation at the crossroads of history—Eritrea—where determination, resilience, and self-reliance have defied adversity and driven progress. Adesina’s recent revelations validate Babu’s prophetic observation, emphasizing Eritrea’s unwavering commitment to development and transparency, as well as its exceptional human capital. So, whether other African countries choose to emulate Eritrea or not is their decision. But the words of Babu, the Zanzibari Revolutionary, echoed by Adesina about Eritrea—’I have seen the future of Africa – and it works’—will continue to testify to the Eritrean Model.