Africa has in recent years been rocked by under development which has caused it to rely on imports from other continents but of late, there has been an influx of second-hand goods coming from outside the continent. The flooding of cheap and obsolete products in Africa which are classified as “undesirables” by other continents has reduced Africa to a dumping site and has had and continues to have a negative impact socially, economically and is also stifling the growth of the African continent.

South Africa has become the latest victim to feel the wrath and impact of cheap products being imported into the country. South Africa has accused America and Brazil of dumping more than 30 tonnes of surplus chicken which is collapsing its poultry industry with a large number of people and companies being driven out of business because of the cheap chickens.

The flooding of cheap chickens on the South African market has also caused more than 5,000 people to lose their jobs, a figure which was announced by the South African Poultry Association (SAPA). If this goes unchecked more people stand to lose their jobs.

Using South Africa as an example and looking at the broader picture, Africa`s ability to manufacture and produce for itself is under threat. A large number of companies continue to close shop due to the surge and competition being brought by cheap and obsolete products coming in from the other continents.

The unemployment rate will continue to rise if this goes unchecked. African countries need to come together and work out a feasible solution which will rescue the continent from having a dependency syndrome on these goods from outside, which when one looks at their face value, they seem to be helping Africa but in fact, they are leaving a trail of destruction and leading to more under development instead of growth.

One way for Africa to grow and develop its own continent is for it to open up its borders to increase Intra-African trade. Africa is blessed with all the resources it needs with at least one country having a resource that it may trade with another African state and get something of the same value in return. Such a model will enable Africa to keep an eye and flush out cheap products from the continent.

 

 

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