African Americans should absolutely settle and do business in Africa.
Most African Americans have some dream of returning to the Motherland. If not to resettle, at least to visit and pay homage to the land of our ancestors. For so many black Americans, heritage is a large mystery as many were purposefully stripped from their roots. Some traditions held on and can be traced to modern society such as music and dance, but so many other African traditions did not survive. As a result, for a long time, African Americans didn’t have a desire to connect with Africa. It was a foreign place that was demonized, and we only saw negative images on TV.
Marcus Garvey was the first Caribbean American to publicize and coin the idea of African Americans going back to Africa. Garvey was a black purist and champion of black separation. His premise was that Black People would never get full acceptance and equality in a country that intended for their destiny to be servitude. Returning home to Africa was his solution. Upon returning to Africa, Garvey envisioned a sustainable economy and community for Black People. Unfortunately, he passed before his dream was realized, and the movement lost traction. Since then, for decades, Black Americans have continued to be curious about the continent. African Americans should absolutely resettle in Africa. The country is rich in culture and opportunity, and it is our native homeland.
Beauty of Africa
Fast forward to the 21st century where the black dollar is more powerful, and we have access to information at a faster and more comprehensive rate, many Black Americans are now able to see the continent for its real beauty and are excited even that there is a place of origin. Many have turned to vacationing in Africa’s hot spots like Egypt, South Africa, and Ghana which is very symbolic of the progress of African Americans obtaining enough wealth to travel abroad. It is also symbolic of the relationship African Americans have with Africa. Unknown, but familiar.
Today, younger African Americans are even more enthusiastic about wanting to visit Africa. Black Americans are traveling at larger rates than before. As of 2019, Black Americans were spending $63 Billion on travel annually. For the first time, the resources match the desires, and it has produced a class of world-traveled Black Americans. Though we have the enthusiasm, and now the funds to travel abroad, there are a few things that should be considered. Africa is a huge continent with 54 countries. Each with a unique history. But before you jet to the motherland here are a few things to consider regarding travel regulations, visas, etc.
Traveling Abroad
The first thing any citizen will need before traveling abroad is a Passport issued by the United States Government. Aside from a Passport, you will want to check the visa requirements. In some countries, you can purchase them on arrival, while others require it to be purchased prior. A visa is an identification card for visitors while in a country that they do not have citizenship.
Travel requirements will vary depending on the length of stay and the reason for travel so it’s important to get familiar with them. A good start for information on traveling abroad is the website for the specific country in which you plan to travel. Each country has its own set of rules, and they are subject to change without notice. Some countries, like Kenya for example, require a visa before you can enter the country, and it does cost a fee. Other countries only require a visa if you are staying longer than a certain period, for example in South Africa a person is only required to have a visa if staying longer than 90 days.
Another good resource for travel information is the U.S. Department of State. They have listed information on travel requirements for each country, including the 54 countries of Africa. The Department of State’s website also includes info on how long one can stay in a country, laws, customs, and even some helpful facts. Traveling abroad is a big deal. I can understand why the idea of traveling across the globe would give pause to many people. However, one doesn’t have to go it alone.
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Travel Visas
The visa conversation is important because many Black Americans are choosing to relocate to countries within Africa. Not only is there opportunity for good quality of life, but some African countries have the fastest-growing economies. In America, Black People, particularly, Black women are the biggest group of new business owners. Typically, as Black people, we are the last to be privy to economic trends, and even when given a seat at the table, it is usually the last. This is why it is imperative that you consider traveling and doing business in African countries. America’s economy continues to decline, and while it is still a world power, it would be smart for those of us not welcome to find other avenues to prosper.
According to an article posted on Black Enterprise, the ideal situation for Black entrepreneurs is to open up a business within the continent rather than importing or exporting goods. Essentially benefiting the economy and the owner without draining the country. However, simply showing up and wanting to run a business is not enough. Investing and starting a new business takes quite a bit of financial backing, research, and scouting for locations and opportunities. That is why before wanting to do business in African cultures, it is a good idea to make sure you have the proper funding. It would also be wise to get familiar with local traditions before just opening up a shop in a neighborhood. Be careful not to carry on Western traditions like appropriation and colonization. Scouting for business in Africa is a good Segway to our next point, traveling to Africa for leisure. Before blindly scouting, maybe take a guided trip.
Traveling to Africa for Leisure
Travel groups do exist to aid Black Americans in traveling to Africa. Some even offer guided tours. Black And Abroad, a travel group started by two Atlanta natives, launched a Back to Africa Movement last year. When asked why they started the movement, the team alluded to the racial slur often hurled at Black people, “Go back to Africa.” On top of wanting to bridge the relations between African Americans and Africans, they also wanted Black people to feel like going back to Africa was possible.
They are not the only group that promotes and facilitates trips to Africa. Many groups exist, some are youth-focused, some family-focused, but all curate trips to this majestic land and offer guided tours. Everyone, no matter what race or ethnicity should see the beauty Africa has to offer. African Americans however, have an obligation to see and know where their long and sometimes dark history began.
Africa is a vast continent that is the proverbial home to descendants of slavery worldwide. It is not only our right, but our duty as Black People to return to Africa and educate ourselves. It is a myth that we are not welcome. In fact, Ghana is a nation that has repeatedly invited African Americans to come a be full citizens. Many Black Americans have retired in various countries throughout Africa. No longer is Africa this distant continent that we know little about. Black people worldwide, and Black Americans especially, I encourage you to not only visit Africa but consider creating a life and business there.
References
“African Visa Requirements: Visa Advice for African Safaris: Africa: On The Go Tours.” African Visa Requirements | Visa Advice for African Safaris | Africa | On The Go Tours | US, 2019, www.onthegotours.com/us/Africa/Visas.
Read, Johanna. “How to Apply for a Visa to Travel to Africa.” USA Today, Gannett Satellite Information Network, 14 Dec. 2017, traveltips.usatoday.com/apply-visa-travel-africa-29676.html.
Sachs, Andrea. “Black & Abroad Founders Encourage African Americans to Visit Their Ancestral Continent.” The Washington Post, WP Company, 14 June 2019, www.washingtonpost.com/lifestyle/travel/black-and-abroad-founders-encourage-african-americans-to-visit-their-ancestral-continent/2019/06/13/ee035bcc-7b43-11e9-8ede-f4abf521ef17_story.html.
Spiropoulos, Richard. “Ways for African Americans to Profit in Africa.” Black Enterprise, Black Enterprise, 4 Oct. 2017, www.blackenterprise.com/us-africa-summit-african-american-entrepreneurs-tips-part-2/.
