Back to: History SSS 3
My brilliant scholar, welcome back! I hope you’re feeling great and ready for another exciting lesson. Today, we will discuss four important international organisations that have played key roles in Africa’s political, economic, and social development—the Commonwealth, Organisation of African Unity (OAU) now the African Union (AU), Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), and Organisation of Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC).
The Commonwealth, OAU (AU), ECOWAS, and OPEC
Imagine being part of a big family where each member helps and supports one another. That’s how these organisations function. They bring different countries together to cooperate, solve problems, and promote development. Let’s look at each of them in detail.
1. The Commonwealth
The Commonwealth of Nations, or simply the Commonwealth, is an international organisation made up of countries that were once colonised by Britain. It was formed in 1931 but became more inclusive after many African countries gained independence in the 1960s.
Objectives of the Commonwealth
Promote democracy and good governance among member countries.
Encourage trade and economic cooperation among members.
Support education and cultural exchange through scholarships and youth programmes.
Assist member nations with economic development and humanitarian aid.
African Countries in the Commonwealth
Some African members include Nigeria, Ghana, Kenya, South Africa, and Uganda. They benefit from education support (Commonwealth scholarships), trade partnerships, and political cooperation.
2. Organisation of African Unity (OAU) / African Union (AU)
The OAU was established on May 25, 1963, in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, to unite African nations and help them gain independence from colonial rule. In 2001, it was replaced by the African Union (AU) to focus more on economic and political development.
Objectives of the OAU (AU)
Promote African unity and solidarity among member nations.
Fight against colonialism and apartheid, which it successfully did.
Encourage economic development through African-led initiatives.
Maintain peace and security by resolving conflicts between African countries.
Achievements of the AU
Supported the independence of many African nations in the 1960s and 1970s.
Sent peacekeeping missions to conflict zones like Sudan, Somalia, and Mali.
Promoted African economic growth through initiatives like the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA).
Today, the AU has 55 member states, including Nigeria, Ghana, South Africa, and Egypt.
3. Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS)
ECOWAS was established in 1975 to promote economic cooperation among West African countries. It has 15 member countries, including Nigeria, Ghana, Senegal, and Ivory Coast.
Objectives of ECOWAS
Encourage free trade and movement of people among West African countries.
Promote economic growth and industrial development in the region.
Resolve conflicts and maintain peace in West Africa through peacekeeping forces.
Achievements of ECOWAS
Created the ECOWAS passport, which allows easy travel among member countries.
Sent peacekeeping forces to countries like Liberia, Sierra Leone, and Mali to restore peace.
Helped remove political dictators and promote democracy in West Africa.
One of its most important bodies is ECOMOG (ECOWAS Monitoring Group), which helps maintain peace and stability.
4. Organisation of Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC)
OPEC was formed in 1960 by oil-producing countries to control oil production and prices in the global market. It has 13 member countries, including Nigeria, Angola, and Algeria from Africa.
Objectives of OPEC
Regulate oil production and prices to ensure fair profits for oil-producing countries.
Protect the interests of member nations in the global oil market.
Stabilise the oil market to prevent price fluctuations.
Benefits of OPEC to Nigeria and Other African Members
Increased revenue from oil exports, which funds national development.
Stable oil prices, preventing economic crises in oil-dependent countries.
Stronger bargaining power in the global oil industry.
However, challenges like oil theft, corruption, and over-reliance on crude oil have affected Nigeria’s benefits from OPEC.
Summary
The Commonwealth is an association of former British colonies that promotes trade, democracy, and education.
The OAU (now AU) was created to unite African nations, fight colonialism, and promote economic development.
ECOWAS is a regional organisation that encourages free trade, economic growth, and peacekeeping in West Africa.
OPEC controls oil production and prices to protect the interests of oil-producing countries like Nigeria.
These organisations have played key roles in Africa’s political and economic development, helping the continent to unite, trade, and grow.
Evaluation
- What are the main objectives of the Commonwealth?
- Why was the OAU (AU) created, and what are some of its achievements?
- How has ECOWAS contributed to peace and economic growth in West Africa?
- What is the role of OPEC in the global oil market?
You are doing an incredible job learning about Africa’s history and international relations! Keep going—your knowledge will empower you to understand the world better. I can’t wait to see you in the next lesson. And always remember, Afrilearn is here to make learning fun and exciting for you!
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