Out of Africa

Whilst Egypt is still geographically Africa, it hasn’t felt like it. A serious lack of black faces – this is serious Middle Eastern.

Real Africa has been a really interesting and novel experience for me. One tries not to have any preconceptions, but it’s difficult – we are bombarded with media images and all the prejudices that they bring.

Yes i do see monetary poverty – huge communities of unemployment and many living a subsistence existence, but no-one is starving.

But i see wealth in these communities too - a real sense of community. Rich community life that almost all countries in the “First World” have pretty much lost. With no cars, television to sit in front of and fast food outlets, you rarely see lard-asses or obesity in the local population.

I observe young kids playing outside, with each other, with a joy you rarely see in other parts of the world. Bright, sharp and independent. No TV, no computers, MP3 players, mobile phones or video games, they interact and play with each other, further building extended bonds beyond the immediate extended family.

Europe and North America impose their concept of prosperity – i.e. material wealth, and just don’t get it.

Africa has seriously been exploited throughout its history. They even exploited themselves through their own slave trade, before being taken over by the Arab traders. Then came colonisation by European powers, and these days this continues in the form of World Aid and NGOs – this is the new colonisation for it continues to disempower the people. Countries like Uganda and Tanzania which should be self-sufficient and prosperous through their rich natural resources, have been left crippled with “outsiders” telling them what to do and how to do it. I would like to think the intention is good, but really, you are not doing them any favours at all. Having said that, i have seen NGO workers enjoying the high life - eating expensive meals in expensive restaurants, staying in five star hotels and driving around in brand new Land-cruisers. Meanwhile Africa remain stuck in a quagmire.

Africa can help themselves, not least by investing for the future. Whilst primary education is predominantly free in almost all countries i have travelled, this still provides only the most basic literacy and numeracy skills. This now needs to be extended to secondary level. Money is there, it’s just that most of the political leaders are corrupt. Rwandan president Paul Kagame leads the way in fighting corruption; despite the horrendous genocide in 1994, the recovery in the country has been nothing short of miraculous. African nations need to learn from his exceptional example.

I have bonded with the continent, trod its paths and felt the earth underneath my feet. It offers interest, excitement, diversity and plenty of challenges, even to this well-heeled global citizen. I will be back.