|
Why don't more africans start private businesses in africa?
I'm trying to understand why growth in Africa is so slow. How can time, or lack of infrastructure be a problem when Japan overcame two nuclear bombings to be one of the most successful countries in the world, only decades later. And even look at other countries that are progressing fast, like China and Brazil. It's not like it's impossible for life in many countries around the world to improve. I'm just confused at what's stagnating things. I know governments are greedy, but if people can start their own private businesses they can employ people, and then be able to make money for themselves. and the more that happens, the better the country becomes. I know this isn't just happening in Africa, but I want to talk about Africa right now, as I'm african myself (first generation american immigrant, originally from the uk), and I just hate to see many african countries stagnated by this. like how the only african nation that could possibly be in consideration for hosting the olympics in the nearby future is south africa, or potentially even nigeria. I mean, the fact that it's so few countries just shows how much more africa needs to develop. so I don't understand what's stopping people. it's not like everyone is poor, uneducated, and with diseases. i mean, i guess it's easy to just leave africa once you have an education, because it's easy to assimilate in the advanced western world. it must take a lot of guts for someone to stay and try and work within their country, despite the increased difficulties. but even if someone isn't educated enough, can't they open their own shops or something? I mean, first world countries were not built over night. people need to stop complaining about colonialism, because that only holds people back. most african nations aren't colonies anymore, so people are free, you know? I just hate this inequality. I wish all the african charities could focus on investing in african businesses, because once people are employed, all the other problems go away in time. people would be able to buy food, buy school materials, etc. it's all about the economy, but charities would rather focus on external things, not the problem from its source. so many problems in the world seem like they can be easily solved, but it's just frustrating that there's constant stagnation. not just in third world countries; around the world
[ ]
Want to answer more questions in the Miscellaneous category?
Maybe give some free advice about: Random Weirdos?
There are several different reasons:
1. A lot of African Governments are corrupt. They keep money that they have, and so the poorer in society are not able to access these funds. For example, a government can help people to start a business by providing funding.
2. Many African Governments are heavily indebted. Because of this, richer countries take advantage. They offer an African Government $10Million for the right to fish their seas. The Government has no option but to accept, and so takes the money. The countries/fishing companies then make $1Billion. So although $10M seems like a lot, it is nothing compared to what they could make. Also, doing this prevents local people from fishing their seas, and then selling the fish for profit.
3. Climate. Many parts of Africa are terribly hot and dry. This means no food. That means starvation. And that means death. You are unable to set up your own business if you don't even know if there will be enough food to keep your children alive.
4. Crime & Wars. Somalia has a huge problem with pirates. This puts people off, because whatever you earn, a percentage will go to 1. the government, 2. gangs. By the time you've put in all that effort, you have nothing. There was in incident in Kenya, where a British couple was killed by Somali pirates, while they were staying in a luxury resort. This sort of thing may put people off tourism, or inward investment.
5. Culture. I watched a documentary about the Chinese. They are currently investing heavily in Africa. They are employing thousands of people in Africa, but many of the employees are not willing to work. This is because China has very strict and long working hours. It can be anywhere from 10-16 hours. This is vastly different to not only Africa, but also Europe and the Americas.
6. Economy. Many African countries have HUGE levels of inflation. Zimbabwe for example, had an inflation rate of 231,150,888.87% . Somewhere like Britain has an Inflation rate of 2.7%. So $5 in Britain is worth 2.7% less that it once was. In Zimbabwe, $5 is worth 231,150,888.87% less than what it once was. This is hyperinflation. It means that money is worthless. Infact, they now print a $1Billion bill. Money is so worthless, than they use it as wallpaper, because it is cheaper than normal paper.
7. Civil War makes it difficult to start, or run a business. If you have a shop, and there is a civil war, they may be a chance that next week, it won't be there anymore.
South Africa is actually a very developed economy (partly). It is part of the BRICS nations, of growing world economies (along with Brazil, Russia, India, and China). South Africa's growing economy is based on growth in manufacturing, services, mining, and agriculture, all of which are well developed.
So there are many factors to explain the growth (or lack of) in Africa. You can't just say to someone, "start your own business". It's not that easy.
Hope I helped :)
]
More Questions: |