Adwa proved Africa could win—So why can’t it win economically?

In 1896, Ethiopia did what no other African country had done—it stopped a European power in its tracks. The Battle of Adwa, as detailed in The Battle of Adwa: Reflections on Ethiopia’s Historic Victory Against European Colonialism, was more than just a military clash.

It was a bold statement that Africa was not a land to be taken. Led by Emperor Menelik II, Ethiopian forces crushed the Italian army, handing Europe one of its most humiliating defeats. The victory sent a clear message: Africa was not weak, and colonial rule was not inevitable.

 “After 673 days of war, on March 1, 1896, Ethiopian forces, outnumbering the Italians and fighting on home soil, delivered a crushing defeat to Italy at Adwa.”

It also gave hope to freedom fighters across the continent, proving that resistance was not futile.

Read also: African economy to grow by 3.5% as ACfTA show resilience – Yemi Kale

A treaty gone wrong

Italy had its eyes set on Ethiopia, thinking it could add the country to its growing empire. In 1889, Menelik signed the Treaty of Wuchalé, believing it was a fair deal.

But there was a catch—while the Amharic version of the treaty simply said Ethiopia “could” use Italy to communicate with other nations, the Italian version said Ethiopia “must” do so.

This mistranslation turned Ethiopia into an Italian protectorate—at least on paper.

When Menelik realised what had happened, he rejected Italy’s claim over Ethiopia. But Italy, unwilling to back down, prepared for war. They assumed victory would be easy, but they underestimated Ethiopia’s strength and strategy.

After 673 days of war, on March 1, 1896, Ethiopian forces, outnumbering the Italians and fighting on home soil, delivered a crushing defeat to Italy at Adwa.

Why it still matters today

More than a century later, Africa faces a different kind of battle. The continent is rich in resources and home to the fastest-growing youth population in the world.

Yet, despite all this potential, many African nations remain stuck—struggling with high unemployment, weak industries, and economies that depend too much on outsiders.

The United Nations estimates that by 2030, over 80 percent of the world’s poorest people will be in Africa. If leaders do not act fast, the continent’s booming population could become a crisis instead of a blessing.

African leaders need to learn from Adwa—not just in resisting outside control but in building a future on Africa’s terms.

The answer is not foreign aid or handouts but creating industries, investing in young people, and using Africa’s vast market to fuel growth.

From Adwa to economic freedom

Adwa was proof that Africa could stand on its own. That same mindset is needed today. The African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) offers a chance to build a united market where African businesses thrive, jobs are created, and the continent moves away from dependency.

The UN Economic Commission for Africa estimates that AfCFTA could boost intra-African trade by up to 25 percent by 2040, significantly enhancing economic integration and growth.

But none of this will happen without strong leadership and bold decisions. The victory at Adwa was a testament to strategic unity and determination. Similarly, Africa’s economic liberation hinges on cohesive policies, investment in human capital, and the development of sustainable industries.

The Battle of Adwa was won in 1896, but the fight for Africa’s economic future is happening now. Will today’s leaders rise to the challenge, or will Africa’s potential remain just a dream?

Oluwatobi Ojabello, senior economic analyst at BusinessDay, holds a BSc and an MSc in Economics as well as a PhD (in view) in Economics (Covenant, Ota).