African youth migration weakens the continent’s ability to compete in the global marketplace – Dr. Ademola Adetunji, CEO Mo Group
Africa is a continent with a youthful population, and the future of the continent depends largely on young people. However, over the years, many African youths have been leaving the continent in search of better opportunities in the West, leaving behind a brain drain that has weakened the continent’s development. In recent times, there has been a growing call for African youth to stay back home and contribute to the development of their continent instead of migrating to the West and becoming what has been referred to as “civilized slaves” or risking the danger of re-colonization.
If you look at some of the best brains in the West who are doing well today in areas of investment banking, as surgeons, investment banking lawyers, captains of industries, technopreneurs, etc, very many of them are Africans and mostly Nigerians. African leaders must stop chasing away their best brains to the West by providing better working conditions and opportunities for growth and development. The leaders must recognize the value of human capital and invest in creating an environment that fosters creativity and innovation. This can be achieved by providing a conducive business environment, access to funding, and opportunities for training and development.
African youths must avoid being trapped in a cycle of dependence on Western countries. The migration of African youths to Western countries often leads to a loss of human capital, with the best and brightest minds leaving the continent. This loss of human capital weakens the continent’s ability to compete in the global marketplace which creates a dependence on Western countries for technical expertise and skills. This, in turn, leaves the continent vulnerable to being recolonized and becoming a civilized slave in the West, allowing African resources and labor to be exploited by Western powers.
One of the reasons why African youth must stay back home to develop their continent is that Africa needs its young people to drive economic growth and development. Africa has a wealth of untapped potential, including abundant natural resources, a growing middle class, and a youthful population. By staying back home and taking advantage of these opportunities, African youth can help create jobs, promote innovation, and drive economic growth, which can in turn improve the standard of living for millions of people.
Moreover, in doing so, African youth can contribute to the development of their communities and countries. Many African countries face significant challenges, including poverty, underdeveloped infrastructure, and a lack of access to basic services such as healthcare and education. By staying back and contributing their skills, knowledge, and expertise, African youth can help address these challenges and improve the lives of their fellow citizens.
In addition to contributing to their countries’ development, staying back home can also provide African youth with an opportunity to build their own futures. Many African youths who migrate to the West end up facing challenges such as discrimination, marginalization, and a lack of opportunities. They can create their own opportunities, build their own businesses, and pursue their dreams in an environment that supports their aspirations.
However, to stop this cycle of dependence, African leaders must create an enabling environment that supports entrepreneurship and innovation. African leaders must invest in education, healthcare, and infrastructure, which are critical to promoting economic growth and development. They must also promote good governance, reduce bureaucratic red tape, and prioritize investment in key sectors such as renewable energy, agriculture, and healthcare.
Also, African leaders must create policies that encourage foreign investment and promote regional integration. This can help attract more investment to the continent, create jobs, and boost economic growth. By creating a business-friendly environment, African leaders can encourage African youth to stay back home and contribute to the development of their countries and the continent at large.
In conclusion, the development of Africa is dependent on the youth, and it is imperative that African youths must stay back home to develop their continent instead of migrating to the West and becoming “civilized slaves” or risking the danger of re-colonization. African leaders must create an enabling environment that supports entrepreneurship and innovation by investing in education, healthcare, and infrastructure, and promoting good governance. They must also create policies that encourage foreign investment and promote regional integration. By doing so and working together, African youths and leaders can build a prosperous and sustainable continent that can compete in the global marketplace.
Dr. Ademola Adetunji is the Chief Executive Officer of Mo Group
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