Neoliberalism in Africa has once again moved to the center of political debate after Hadija, widely known on social media as Africa, declared that the economic model “has no place in Africa” and called for President William Ruto to step down.
In a strongly worded dossier titled How Neoliberalism Has Wielded Corruption to Privatize Life in Africa, she argues that global financial institutions and multinational corporations have shaped policies that weaken African states while empowering foreign private interests. As a result, she claims, countries like Kenya continue to lose control over their economic destiny.
According to Hadija, five major strategies have allowed powerful global actors to profit from Africa. First, she says institutions such as the International Monetary Fund, World Bank and World Trade Organization push so-called investor-friendly reforms that pressure African governments to liberalize markets. Consequently, public institutions lose influence over key sectors of the economy.
Second, she highlights heavy investment in extractive industries rather than manufacturing. Instead of building factories and creating value chains locally, foreign firms focus on oil, gas and mining. Therefore, raw materials leave the continent while finished goods return at higher prices.
Third, she points to transfer pricing and trade misinvoicing. Through these accounting methods, multinationals allegedly shift profits abroad and reduce their tax obligations in African countries. In addition, production costs are sometimes exaggerated, which further shrinks taxable income.
Fourth, Hadija claims corporations hire major global accounting firms to structure financial arrangements that minimize scrutiny. As a result, public revenue declines while corporate profits grow.
Her criticism also extends to multinational giants operating across Africa. She references the Anglo-Swiss mining company Glencore and its operations in Zambia and the Democratic Republic of the Congo. She argues that such corporations often dominate strategic mineral sectors that governments should regulate more firmly.
Moreover, she mentions land acquisition deals linked to Blue Carbon in the United Arab Emirates, where large tracts of African land are reportedly secured for carbon offset projects. Critics say these arrangements risk sidelining local communities, even though supporters argue they attract climate finance.
At the heart of her argument lies a broader claim: Africans have been told for decades that their states are inherently corrupt and incapable of managing development. However, she insists that this narrative ignores corporate tax avoidance, financial mismanagement and illicit capital flows driven by global capitalism.
Neoliberalism, as she defines it, shifts economic power away from the state and into the hands of private multinational corporations. Consequently, decisions about GDP growth, taxation, wages and land use often reflect investor priorities rather than national development plans.
She further argues that during structural adjustment programs of the 1990s and early 2000s, the IMF and World Bank promoted privatization and deregulation across Africa. As a result, many parastatals weakened or collapsed, while foreign investors gained expanded access to key industries.
The debate has quickly taken on political overtones in Kenya. By linking neoliberal reforms to President William Ruto, Hadija fuels the growing #RutoMustGo movement online. Supporters say leadership change could restore manufacturing, strengthen public enterprises and rebuild state sovereignty. On the other hand, critics argue that global economic integration remains essential for growth and foreign investment.
Nevertheless, the controversy underscores a wider continental conversation about economic independence, corruption and accountability. Many Africans increasingly question who benefits most from current trade and investment models. Therefore, discussions about neoliberalism in Africa are unlikely to fade soon.
As the 2026 political season gains momentum in Kenya, the intersection of economic policy and leadership will remain central. For now, Hadija’s dossier has reignited scrutiny over how Africa engages with global finance, and whether the private sector should truly anchor national economies.
