By Unue Emeka,
Senator representing Delta North Senatorial District, Senator Ned Munir Nwoko has called for the adoption of a unified African currency and a common language to foster economic integration and cultural unity across the continent.
Speaking on Friday at “The Africa We See” power room session hosted by Elevate Africa at Transcorp Hilton, Abuja, Nwoko emphasized that these measures could transform Africa's economic position and fortify its cultural identity.
“We don’t need the dollar, we don’t need euros. What we need is an African currency that will enable us to trade among ourselves,” Senator Nwoko asserted, stressing that reliance on foreign currencies hinders Africa's economic independence and limits intra-continental trade. As chairman of the Senate Committee on Reparations and Repatriation, he highlighted that a single currency could empower Africa to negotiate stronger positions on the global stage.
Reflecting on Africa’s colonial history, Nwoko pointed to the imposition of foreign languages, such as English, French, and German, which fragmented African unity. He argued that the continent’s indigenous languages, like Swahili, Hausa, Yoruba, and Arabic—spoken across various African regions—could serve as a unifying language to enhance shared identity and communication.
“We’ve seen the effects of colonialism with imposed languages, but we have rich indigenous languages that reflect our heritage,” Nwoko noted. He advocated for adopting one of these as a pan-African language, believing it would strengthen cultural ties and a sense of belonging among Africans.
However, Senator Nwoko cautioned that realizing this vision requires visionary leadership committed to prioritizing Africa’s long-term interests. “We need political leaders who are willing to put Africa first, leaders truly passionate about building a new Africa,” he emphasized.
The session was part of Elevate Africa’s ongoing dialogues focused on shaping a united and prosperous future for Africa.
