During the early 2000s, I spent 6 weeks travelling in Africa. I took an overland trip from Cape Town and travelled through South Africa, Namibia, Botswana, Zimbabwe, Mozambique, Lesotho and Swaziland. It was a life-changing experience. Not only because of the beauty but also because of the things I learned and saw.
The struggles Africa has faced both internally and externally have had a profound effect on this beautiful continent and its people. The colonisation by European forces to exploit the continent's resources and people, internal armed conflict fueled by poverty, governmental regime changes and so much more.
Africa is one of the most resource-rich continents on Earth, but it is also one of the poorest. This was in part due to the exploitation of Africa by major governments and corporations who sought to control its vast natural resources. It is a perfect demonstration of the rich getting richer off of the backs of the helpless.
The exploitation of Africa by major governments has been going on for centuries
The exploitation of Africa by major governments has been going on for centuries. European nations began carving up the continent in the late 1800s, and since then, they have extracted a wealth of resources from it.
In recent years, China has become Africa’s largest trading partner, and it has been investing heavily in the continent. While this new relationship has brought some benefits to Africa, there are concerns that China is primarily interested only in what it can gain.
African countries have abundant mineral resources, including oil and gas, which are essential to the global economy. However, many Africans live in poverty, and their governments are often corrupt and inefficient.
As a result, foreign investment can be a double-edged sword, providing much-needed capital but also contributing to exploitation.
African countries are rich in natural resources, but the people living there remain poor
While it is true that many African countries are rich in natural resources, the continent as a whole has been plagued by poverty for centuries.
There are a number of factors that contribute to this problem, including corruption, conflict, and a lack of infrastructure. However, the root cause of African poverty is often traced back to the colonial era.
During this time, African countries were exploited for their resources without any regard for the well-being of the people who lived there. Because of this, many African countries remain underdeveloped and poverty is rampant.
Western countries are guilty of exploiting Africa, through their corporations
For centuries, Western nations have been exploiting Africa for its natural resources. The Trans-Atlantic slave trade was fueled by the demand for cheap labour to work on plantations in the Americas, and the colonial era saw Africa being carved up into territories controlled by European powers.
Today, Western corporations continue to extract oil, minerals, and timber from African countries at bargain prices, while many Africans still live in poverty. Western countries have a responsibility to end this exploitation, and to ensure that Africans are able to benefit from the continent's natural wealth. Only then will Africa be truly free.
The Marburg Virus
The Africa Marburg virus is a serious disease discovered in 1967 and has regularly recorded outbreaks in the years since. Most notably in 2004-2005 in Angola where over 300 people died as a result of the outbreak.
The virus is spread through contact with infected bodily fluids, and it can cause fever, diarrhoea, and vomiting. In severe cases, the virus can lead to organ failure and death. As yet, there is no cure for the African Marburg virus, and it is difficult to prevent its spread.
COVID-19
During this time, my thoughts of writing had reignited. While most countries suffered in some way, Africa is one of the continents most affected by Covid 19.
The impact of the pandemic was felt powerfully in Africa. The pandemic exacerbated existing inequalities, with poor and rural communities bearing the brunt of the impacts.
In response to the crisis, African governments have implemented a range of measures, including lockdowns, travel restrictions, and testing programs. However, these efforts were hampered by a lack of resources and capacity.
Without effective cooperation between countries and an established infrastructure, it is clear that the setbacks of exploitation, corruption and colonialism still have lasting effects.
2032: My Debut Novel
Africa's history is rich and compelling. But more than that, Africa is mesmerising and beautiful. The influence it had has helped shape this story.
"Africa is suffering the devastating consequences of the pandemic and corrupt governments and corporations are getting rich off the helpless. Covertly distributing their ill-gotten gains, computer hacker Thandiwe becomes privy to a secret with potentially apocalyptic consequences. When Detective Dakarai stumbles across Thandiwe and enigmatic Ali, and their secret, he knows the future of Africa rests with him."