Not politically correct to say it, nevertheless still true. Colonialism was a time of prosperity for many European countries. At the same time, it ruined to the ground all African nations, and many are still struggling to recover.
The Colonialism leaders perceived themselves as decent and good people, as pioneers, as entrepreneurs, much like the modern entrepreneurs coming to Africa these days. Over 100 years have gone by, yet they both look at Africa as an opportunity, mainly a business one. They “hold the truth”. They “hold the knowledge”. They are better equipped. They wave messages of progress, Innovation, good will, and a promise for a better life.
Well, we all know how it turned out the first time.
Is This Generation Of Talented Young Africans Going To Rule as The Masters Of Their Future Or Will They Be The First Generation Of African “Modern Slaves”?
I believe Africa is on a crossroads, and the train is coming fast. In 2 – 5 years, Africa could enter a new era of colonialism as the big American, European, and Chinese technological and industrial corporations enslave the young generation of Africans. They will have them do hard labor at minimum pay. There is an economic logic behind it. In Nigeria, The average monthly salary is about $75. Web Developers in Lagos are getting paid $810/month on average. Meanwhile, in the US, the average monthly salary is about $7,900. Web developers in Silicon Valley are getting paid about $6,190/month.
You could hire 8 Nigerian developers for the cost of a Single American developer.
Another force that accelerates this process is the economic war between China and the US. American and European corporates are looking to replace China. Africa Holds endless resources of young people (The median age in Africa is 19.7 years and getting younger), Providing low-cost labor and shorter supply routes to the markets.
As a matter of fact, we can already see Facebook, Google, Twitter, Amazon and many more industry giants making their first steps in this direction. Take Mr. Jack Dorcy, founder and CEO of Twitter and Square, as an example. With the best intentions, he is relocating to Lagos to learn, monitor, and manage his opportunities personally.
Don’t get me wrong. If Africa leads and manages to avoid being led blindly into this process, there is plenty of good outcome as a result of these companies coming to Africa. Take Israel as an example, branded as the startup nation, is a great example of that. Over the last 20 years, China makes an even better example, growing to be a global economic superpower.
Work Globally - Live Locally
Some might argue that working for a major global enterprise for a salary of $700 – $1,000 / month is a good thing. “This is a respectable salary in Nigeria, and the knowledge and practice you will gain are much more valuable than the salary you earn”. For some degree, that is true.
However, a better option is for young Africans to take advantage of the Gig Economy, and get American and European jobs while they continue to live in their home communities. This way, their salaries will be scaled to the American and European markets – while their expenses remain scaled to the cost of living in their community. The Bonus in this model is that by staying and working from within their community (City, Town, or Village), they will grow to be a source of knowledge and employment to other people in their surrounding and push the African economy forward.
Another reason this model is better is that it will distribute knowledge evenly across Africa, instead of concentrating it in the main metropolises, increasing the already high economic and education gaps between urban and rural communities.
The Future Is Location Tolerant Industries
I can imagine many young African entrepreneurs build their life and business using this model. Using “Digital Nomads” and “Gig economy” platforms to win American and European Jobs and projects and get paid accordingly as well. Then share their work with some of their local developer friends, keep getting more and more work. This is a sustainable business model that builds business and brings quality employment to any community regardless of its location. (ADP report: Global Gig economy grows by 15% over the past decade).
Tapping into the Gig economy, young Africans are able stay and live in their home communities and grow to be successful at the same time, regardless of their location.
My motivation in this post and other activities that I do is to challenge young African entrepreneurs to win first world jobs while staying living and leading their home community.
Note: COVID-19 has accelerated this process in the western world, more people are working from home now. This trend is expected to keep on growing and to open the opportunity for others to join. Nowadays, if you are a good developer, you are wanted, regardless of where you live.
The Next Wave Of Colonialism Will Be A Tsunami
The next wave of Colonialism will not be a wave. Using modern technologies, it will be a tsunami. In proportion, it will make the 15th – 20th century Colonialism era look like “the good old days”. New technologies and the opportunity to enslave people while keeping them in their home countries will keep the problem hidden from the western public eye. Add in the fact that Africa, unlike China, does not have a single government that can efficiently oppose its will on big global corporations, forcing them to end up helping the corporations in doing as they will with the local population. Is this the future Africa wishes for itself?
This Generation Of Talented Young Africans Will Determine The Future Of Africa For The Next Hundreds Of Years. They Can Lead, Prevail and Drive Africa Into A Leading Position In The Global Economy.
I have decided to do something about it, and joint venture with “The Girls Code Initiative” a non-governmental organization passionate about the technological education of African girls. And “Tomruk-iHub” Africa’s biggest social innovation hub running two main pan-African projects: StartupSchool and SMSGAfrica. Together we collaborate in an attempt to help African youth own their future.
We share this idea with young African entrepreneurs. We provide them with tools needed to make their first steps in the right direction. And we motivate them, so they build confidence and a sense of ability to do so.
If you relate to this idea, you should consider taking sponsorship in some of our events.
The next event is: Am I Investable? How To Determine If Your Startup Is Investable!
Date: September 6th, 2020.
Learn more about the event and the sponsorship program: https://www.eranyoran.com/am-i-investable-even-2 I am sure you can imagine the effect your sponsorship will have on Africa’s future as a whole and especially this talented young African entrepreneurs.
