I think it is quite interesting how some African's view colonialism. Not that I agree with all that colonialism meant or did, or to really get into that argument. Sometimes it is easier to see in the review mirror the wrongs of colonialism from the Europeans and remind them of it.
I do not think that many African's have taken a step back to see what is going on politically and geographically on the African continent as we speak! I can think of one African country leader who fights so hard to ward off the European and Western powers, only to sell their country to China with the next breath.
Africa for the most part is totally unchartered waters. It has so much to offer the world in carbon credits, resources and human capital, but for who? It would be one thing for the continents leaders to defy colonialism and collectively erect a continent that not only was self sufficient, but one that showed the rest of the world, that they did not need them. Although we live in the global village, why are African's importing products and people from the east? For a continent with so much poverty, you would think that finding low cost labor would be easier and more desperately required than simply importing the products from somewhere else in the world.
Instead it seems that Africa is for sale, and for sale to the highest bidder, no matter the long term losses. The Europeans have long established ties, sourcing from Africa, but China not only has the cash but has seen the opportunities that Africa is offering. The US is trying to catch up, but they view Africa as a place for aid, not a place to find peers.
It seems that at present with the huge exodus from the emerging markets, Africa needs to position itself in a way that allows them collectively to care for themselves while also setting the stage as a continent with ethics and hard work to attract the investments to bring value not only to the investors, but the people of Africa too!
This would require the people, politicians and companies of Africa to stop looking into the rear view mirror of colonialism, but look into the future, and build that what they want to see.
I do not think that many African's have taken a step back to see what is going on politically and geographically on the African continent as we speak! I can think of one African country leader who fights so hard to ward off the European and Western powers, only to sell their country to China with the next breath.
Africa for the most part is totally unchartered waters. It has so much to offer the world in carbon credits, resources and human capital, but for who? It would be one thing for the continents leaders to defy colonialism and collectively erect a continent that not only was self sufficient, but one that showed the rest of the world, that they did not need them. Although we live in the global village, why are African's importing products and people from the east? For a continent with so much poverty, you would think that finding low cost labor would be easier and more desperately required than simply importing the products from somewhere else in the world.
Instead it seems that Africa is for sale, and for sale to the highest bidder, no matter the long term losses. The Europeans have long established ties, sourcing from Africa, but China not only has the cash but has seen the opportunities that Africa is offering. The US is trying to catch up, but they view Africa as a place for aid, not a place to find peers.
It seems that at present with the huge exodus from the emerging markets, Africa needs to position itself in a way that allows them collectively to care for themselves while also setting the stage as a continent with ethics and hard work to attract the investments to bring value not only to the investors, but the people of Africa too!
This would require the people, politicians and companies of Africa to stop looking into the rear view mirror of colonialism, but look into the future, and build that what they want to see.
