Very glad to go on record about my thinking around African agency. I welcome and recognise the need for international cooperation (we need the support!) but I am equally passionate about equal partnerships and encouraging Africans to stop thinking they have nothing to offer.

Equal partnerships take into consideration the fact that interests may not always align. We& #39;ve been on the receiving end for so long as a continent but I think we need to straighten our spines. Grow up, stop playing the victim, and become real players in the global economy.

I& #39;m youngish (lol, getting old) and have a whole lifetime of working towards African development ahead of me. I& #39;ll try to do this to my best ability. I will not sell out my continent, will always stand up for right. African knowledge systems. African dignity. African development.