This is the time for us to start pumping foreign direct investment into Africa. The wealth that diasporans have accumulated should continue to flow more aggressively to the continent. Every country was once developing, and with the vast arable land, technological advancement and highly youthful population, Africa have all the tools necessary to become an economic powerhouse! Still, why should some diaspora repatriate now and in decades to come?
1. There are so many money-making opportunities.
I actually can’t put into words the endless opportunities for diasporans to make money and contribute to their home nation’s economy. This small paragraph will do a disservice, but I will try to break it down. The land is rich; Africa has 60% of the world’s arable land. If you go on Google Earth, you will see that Chinese farms exist all over the continent.
Then the land is also prosperous with cultures, skills and intelligence. You can’t go out and not learn something new. The sheer size of the continent alone allows you to develop a more global mindset. You see the world from the larger picture, which you miss when you focus on just doing your job and managing bills.
It’s no mistake that the most entrepreneurial women in the world come from Africa, Ghana, to be precise. One thing that you notice when you speak to African youth is that both men and women are incredibly entrepreneurial. The environment creates naturally strong-minded and entrepreneurial boys and girls, growing into mighty strong-minded entrepreneurial men and women. So that means even whilst you’re here, new ideas, projects and business partners pop up regularly if you are bold enough to take advantage. I list over 70 business ideas here.
2. There is no ceiling to how wealthy you could become.
I have heard many middle-aged professionals in the diaspora speak of a “ceiling”; this is causing many of them to seek entrepreneurial opportunities earlier than previous generations. But, of course, there will always be anomalies, and the trend of young black talent feeding into Institutions is increasing gradually. However, one thing that any successful home-grown African will tell you is that there is no ceiling. No, it’s not easy. The obstacles are more significant over here, no doubt. But, you can’t compare the numbers you could do in London to in Lagos alone.
3. You will grow your network a lot faster than in the West.
Everyone here is black. You can’t compare that to a situation where you see a handful of black people a day (depending on the area you live in). You could meet your next business partner at the mall, nail salon, club, bar, church, mosque etc. African societies are also more social and community-based. People here are more likely to reach out and check on you more, invite you out to places, host you in their homes etc. It will be tough to be lonely and isolated here if you play your cards right.
4. You will grow rapidly as a person.
There is never a dull moment. Every day, you learn something new, speak to someone new, and see something new. Of course, when you move to a new environment, you get this, but there is something so enlightening when you do it back home, especially when you are abroad and didn’t know what it would mean to grow up in your country of origin(s). When you move to a new country, you enhance your understanding and application of economic fundamentals such as exchange rates, purchasing power, the standard of living, politics, foreign trade and more. Of course, you now have a new environment to keep tabs on, and you never disconnect from where you came from, but it’s fun to learn and assimilate a new atmosphere into your life.
5. There is no place like home.
I was born in London. I never thought Africa would feel like home to me (as sad as it sounds, but I’ll be real about it). My body had a horrible reaction to the environment, and I underestimated how slow it would adjust. However, that still didn’t discourage me because I knew this was where I truly belonged. Your soul is always complete when you are in your homeland.
If you have the thought to move back home, do it, but there is a big BUT. Make sure that you have a rock-solid plan with a rock-solid plan B and C. Don’t underestimate the environment you are moving back to; it’s a jungle, a very rewarding jungle. But, you need to move there with a very strong, resilient and, most importantly, positive mindset. You will fail in Africa with a negative mindset.
