Interlude: Does ChatGPT Think Africa Should Unite?
Here is a conversation I recently had with ChatGPT on whether Africa should pursue continental unity. It give an interesting perspective of the narratives of development that populate mainstream discussions on the topic. As a prelude to Part II of The Omega Point of Imperialism, I thought this would help set the stage to underscore what is focused on and what is overlooked in mainstream discussions of this subject. The conversation is rendered below verbatim. See if you agree.
Me: Should Africa unite?
ChatGPT:
The question of whether Africa should unite is complex and has been debated for decades. There are strong arguments both for and against unification.
Arguments for African Unity
Economic Strength – A united Africa could form a powerful economic bloc, reducing dependence on foreign aid and increasing bargaining power in global trade.
Political Stability – A unified Africa could help resolve internal conflicts, reduce corruption, and promote good governance.
Pan-African Identity – Unification aligns with Pan-Africanism, promoting cultural solidarity and breaking down colonial-era divisions.
Stronger Defense and Security – A unified military and security strategy could help combat terrorism, piracy, and transnational crimes.
Resource Management – Africa has vast resources, but they are often exploited by foreign powers. A united Africa could control and distribute wealth more equitably.
Arguments Against African Unity
Diverse Political Systems – African countries have different political ideologies, from democracies to authoritarian regimes, making unification difficult.
Ethnic and Cultural Differences – Africa is incredibly diverse, with thousands of ethnic groups, languages, and traditions that may resist a single identity.
Economic Disparities – Wealthier nations like South Africa, Nigeria, or Egypt might not want to share their resources with poorer countries.
Logistical Challenges – Uniting 54 countries with different legal systems, currencies, and infrastructures would be highly complex.
National Sovereignty – Many nations may not want to lose their independence and decision-making power.
A Middle Ground?
Instead of full political unification, Africa could focus on regional integration—strengthening the African Union (AU), boosting trade through the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), and enhancing cooperation in key areas like security, technology, and education.
What do you think? Should Africa aim for full unity or a more gradual approach?
Me: What is your own opinion on the matter, in one paragraph?
ChatGPT:
I believe Africa should pursue deeper regional integration rather than full political unification. Given the continent’s vast diversity in culture, language, and governance, a gradual approach—focusing on economic cooperation, infrastructure development, and security alliances—would be more practical. Strengthening institutions like the African Union and fully implementing initiatives like the AfCFTA can create a foundation for long-term unity without forcing a one-size-fits-all political structure. A united Africa in spirit and economy, rather than a single state, would maximize the continent’s potential while respecting its diversity.
Me: Why do you think regional integration better than a single Africa, in one paragraph?
ChatGPT:
Regional integration is better than a single unified Africa because it allows countries to collaborate based on shared economic and geopolitical interests while maintaining their sovereignty. Africa’s diversity—spanning thousands of ethnic groups, languages, and political systems—makes full political unification impractical and potentially destabilizing. Regional blocs like ECOWAS, SADC, and the EAC already show that smaller-scale cooperation can improve trade, security, and infrastructure without the risks of a centralized government. By strengthening these regional partnerships and aligning them under the African Union’s broader framework, Africa can achieve economic power and political stability without forcing a single governing structure that might not work for all nations.
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Me: But ECOWAS and SADC have largely failed haven't they?
ChatGPT:
Yes, ECOWAS and SADC have faced significant challenges, and their effectiveness has been questioned. ECOWAS, for example, has struggled with political instability, military coups (especially in West Africa), and weak enforcement of its own protocols. Its handling of democracy and security crises—such as in Mali, Burkina Faso, and Niger—has been inconsistent, leading some to question its relevance. Similarly, SADC has been criticized for its slow response to political crises, such as in Zimbabwe and Eswatini, and for failing to drive substantial economic integration.
However, their failures do not necessarily mean that regional integration is a bad idea—it means these organizations need reform, stronger enforcement mechanisms, and greater commitment from member states. A fully unified Africa would likely face even greater challenges, given the sheer scale of governance required. Instead of abandoning regional integration, Africa could focus on making these organizations more effective through better leadership, accountability, and financial independence.
Do you think Africa would be better off abandoning these regional blocs for full political unity?
Me: So you don't think there would be enough capacity to offset the greater challenges that would come with full political unity?
ChatGPT:
Exactly. The challenges of full political unity—governing 54 diverse nations with vastly different political systems, economies, and cultures—would likely outweigh the benefits, at least in the short to medium term. Even major federations like the European Union, which consists of fewer and more economically developed nations, still struggle with cohesion. Africa currently lacks the strong central institutions, economic parity, and political stability needed to effectively manage a unified government.
That said, if Africa builds its capacity over time—strengthening institutions, improving governance, and fostering economic integration—it might be able to move toward a deeper form of unity in the future. But jumping straight to a single political entity now would likely create more instability than progress.
Do you think Africa could develop the necessary capacity in the coming decades, or do you see unity as unrealistic altogether?
Me: And what is your evidence that regional integration will help it build that capacity over time, in one paragraph?
ChatGPT:
The evidence that regional integration can help Africa build capacity over time lies in the progress made by existing economic and trade agreements, despite their flaws. The African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), for example, is already fostering intra-African trade by reducing tariffs and encouraging investment in infrastructure, which strengthens economic ties and industrial capacity. The East African Community (EAC) has made strides in economic integration, with free movement of people and goods improving trade efficiency. While ECOWAS and SADC have struggled, they have still played key roles in conflict resolution and economic coordination. Strengthening these frameworks—by improving governance, enforcing agreements, and investing in connectivity—creates a foundation for greater unity in the long term, allowing African nations to develop the institutions and trust needed for deeper integration.
Me: If there were a way to immediately overcome these challenges, would you change your mind about full political unity?
ChatGPT:
Yes, if there were a realistic way to immediately overcome the major challenges—such as political instability, economic disparity, governance differences, and logistical hurdles—then full political unity could be a powerful force for Africa’s development. A well-structured, democratic, and inclusive African government could streamline decision-making, harness the continent’s vast resources effectively, and position Africa as a major global power. However, achieving this would require a level of institutional strength, trust, and economic balance that doesn’t currently exist.
If you had a concrete model or strategy to immediately solve these challenges, I’d definitely reconsider. Do you think there’s a viable path to immediate unity?
Conclusion
So, there you have it. ChatGPT thinks full political unity is unrealistic goal for Africa. Do you agree? Personally, I think ChatGPT has a point. But I also think it has misdiagnosed the problem.
When I asked the chatbot these questions, I did so partly to see what it understood by unity in the first place. So I did not define my terms at all. On its own, ChatGPT opted for a political and economic interpretation. There is nothing surprising about this, of course. But there is some significance in what it left out. Entirely absent from its analysis is the question of cultural and social unity. When it mentions “cultural solidarity,” it is as a potential benefit of political unity, and it mentions cultural diversity as an obstacle.
Yet this, I believe, is the question that lies beneath the question, and the philosophical root of the issue. By focusing on the political, administrative, and economic challenges involved in governing a unified continent, ChatGPT essentially mistakes the symptom for the cause. The reasons why a united Africa will face the challenges it names are many and complex, but they lie at this deeper sociocultural level.
That’s why Part II of The Omega Point of Imperialism will go deep into this angle. I will discuss why continued cultural disunity (not diversity) leaves the continent exposed especially now during the tech wars. I will also propose a vision of how strategically chosen forms of cultural unification can be creatively and responsibly pursued. And I will argue that doing so may be the only way Africa survives the ongoing technology revolution. Stay tuned…
In case you missed it, here’s part I:
