Another African Truth Bomb: : The Realities of Living Abroad vs. Returning to Africa
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Another African Truth Bomb: : The Realities of Living Abroad vs. Returning to Africa
“African diaspora challenges and opportunities”
A recent tweet by popular YouTuber Wode Maya sparked widespread discussion, amassing over 4 million views on X (formerly Twitter). The tweet urged Africans living abroad to tell those at home the “bitter truth” about life overseas, followed by a poignant question: “Why did you leave Africa?”
This topic resonates deeply, particularly given Wode Maya’s own journey. When I first met him in 2018, he was living in China, leveraging his presence in the diaspora to build a platform that now inspires millions. His move back to Ghana was strategic, recognizing the opportunities his growing influence could create back home. However, Wode Maya’s success is built on rare talent, focus, and luck—not a formula everyone can replicate.
The conversation highlights a harsh reality for many Africans: leaving the continent is often driven by systemic challenges like nepotism, bureaucracy, and a lack of merit-based opportunities. These barriers stifle talent, leaving many skilled individuals with little choice but to seek greener pastures abroad. The issue extends to education, where rising school fees in countries like Uganda result in 22% of children dropping out, creating a future workforce that is less prepared for competitive industries.
Moreover, while the diaspora is often blamed for not returning to build businesses, the structural hurdles in many African countries make entrepreneurship incredibly challenging. High costs, undertrained labor, and unreliable systems mean that even the most talented individuals may struggle to succeed. For many, staying abroad offers better stability and rewards for their skills.
The debate raises critical questions about the need for accountability and systemic change on the continent. Governments must address the root causes of brain drain by creating environments where talent can thrive. Until then, expecting mass returns from the diaspora is unrealistic, as opportunities at home remain limited for most.
Wode Maya’s story is inspiring, but it underscores the challenges faced by the majority who don’t have his leverage or resources. The road to success in Africa can be long and grueling, requiring extraordinary patience, connections, or sheer determination. It’s time to focus on actionable solutions to make the continent more accommodating for those willing to invest their time and skills.
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Mechanical/Solar Engineer, Prof. Oku Singer
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