AAU Hosts Lawrence Freeman’s Experience Sharing Seminar: Lifelong in Africa

The Associate Dean for Research and Technology Transfer of College of Social Sciences, the Center for African and Asian Studies of AAU conducted a Seminar focused on Mr. Lawrence Freeman’s experience sharing with a view of some prominent leaders’ visions at Ras-Mekonnen Hall on December 10, 2021.

Mr. Freeman’s topic of speech was entitled, “Realize the Vision of Diop and Nkrumah: Industrialize and Energize the African Continent”, which states the Pan-African idealists’ views by who were leaders of Senegal and Ghana respectively.

Mitike Molla (PhD), Vice President for Research and Technology Transfer of AAU said in her welcoming address that, Mr. Lawrence Freeman has been dedicated for more than three decades of his life for the development of Africa in promoting economic growth which emphasizes infrastructure, transportation and electricity in particular.

“He is a political analyst currently standing on Ethiopian side for fighting cause of injustice by unveiling the truth in relation to the current political situation, interpreting happenings drawn from within and other countries based on experience. These types of discourse will help the audience to understand the current situation and exchange views from different perspectives,” Dr. Mitike stated.

Lawrence Freeman, Political-Economic Analyst for Africa, is a physical economist who promotes real economic growth with an emphasis on hard infrastructure, particularly rail transportation and electricity. He believes that economic development is a fundamental human right and is a strong defender of national sovereignty for African nations.

In his presentation on the topic stated that previous African leaders like Cheikh Anta Diop and President Kwame Nkrumah understood what was essential to develop the nations of Africa in concern of infrastructure, energy, industry, and science. Africa suffers from a deliberate policy of forced economic under-development, which must be prevailing over, not only for the sake of Africa, but for the very future of our planet, he added.

“The future of our planet in this century will be dependent on the African continent with its projected population of 2.4 billion and one billion youth by the year 2050 G. C. Either we set in motion now policies to develop African nations and realize the potential of the one billion young creative minds, or we fail to do so, which will lead to more misery, and instability. The whole world will suffer from insecurity on the African continent,” Mr. Freeman said.

“Africa should start Industrial Revolution in order to develop the nation that also helps to solve electricity, water and transportation problems which lead to industrialize and energize the African continent,” he added.

Lawrence Freeman has been involved in economic development policy for Ethiopia, Sudan, Mali, Chad, Nigeria, Central Africa Republic, and Côte d’Ivoire in his lifelong dedication in Africa.

Source: Addis Ababa University