IdeaNew Equator - or How former empires should pay for centuries of exploitation.

Former colonial empires such as Britain and France still maintain economic and symbolic influence over their former colonies. Britain remains the symbolic head of the Commonwealth, and France sustains monetary control through the CFA franc in parts of West Africa. While these ex-colonies are now independent, they often remain economically disadvantaged despite being rich in natural resources. Many of them are now demanding reparations for historical exploitation — with estimated claims reaching up to $20 trillion. Although some former empires do invest in their former colonies today, these investments are often based on unbalanced and extractive contracts. Instead of empowering local economies, they perpetuate dependency and inequality. My idea proposes a Post-Colonial Investment Pact — a transparent, ethical investment framework. Under this model, former colonies would offer structured and conditional investment access to their former metropoles — but under new terms: All contracts must be equal, climate-friendly, and aligned with Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) Outdated or exploitative agreements must be re-evaluated and rewritten Former colonies will base new agreements on their hard-earned lessons from colonial injustice, aiming to ensure long-term benefit for their people Political and monetary control (such as through currency regimes) would be excluded A public monitoring mechanism would ensure transparency and fairness This pact replaces silent neocolonialism with mutual development, turning historical harm into a foundation for equitable global cooperation.It encourages a new generation of global leadership from formerly colonized nations — not through protest alone, but through smart, strategic, and fair economic reform.

My expertise lies in analyzing historical inequalities and designing new models of international cooperation rooted in justice and transparency. Through my project, I can support other organizations—especially those in former colonies and development-focused NGOs—by offering a framework for ethical investment negotiations. The Post-Colonial Investment Pact can be adapted by local governments, legal teams, and advocacy groups to renegotiate unfair historical contracts, promote sustainable development, and ensure international investors meet modern ethical standards. I’m also open to collaborating with other youth-led initiatives, think tanks, or policy labs that want to transform global partnerships in line with the SDGs.