The biggest problem with African politicians and leaders is wealth. This is why the biggest problem for ordinary citizens across Africa is still poverty.
Paul Graham in his ‘Mind the Gap‘ essay, writes about 17th century England being similar to third world countries in 2004. Government office was the most recognized route to wealth.
Compare that to the unsurprisingly, axiomatically third-world Africa today. It becomes obvious why government officials and their friends and relatives continue to dominate public tenders.
There is no regard for conflict of interest in Africa. Perhaps this is why outwardly lucrative public projects cost taxpayers millions and billions of dollars, and still cannot be accounted for in terms of output or outcome. Can politics in Africa be left to men and women driven by vanity instead of greed?
In England’s case, the Industrial Revolution shifted the focus from corruption and made wealth creation (entrepreneurship) the best way to get rich.
How Can We ‘Industrialize’ Africa?
What African leaders fail to acknowledge is that poverty in Africa is not a resource issue but a leadership (skill) issue. African countries have adequate resources and the ability, to change the trajectory of the continent for good. Unfortunately, many politicians are taking advantage of their countries’ resources to amass generational wealth.
While many parts of the continent still languish in absolute poverty, African leaders and politicians seem to be in a race against each other. They are trying to escape some skewed sense of relative poverty. Perhaps the reason for this insecurity, and the perverse pull it effects toward engaging in corruption and tenderpreneurship, can be traced to the state of respective constituents.
“What’s the point of being rich when your family ain’t? It’s like flying first class on a crashing plane.”
— Dave, We’re All Alone In This Together
For instance, take the case of 19-year-old Mark Zuckerberg starting Facebook. Consider Peter Thiel funding the USD 500,000 seed round in exchange for 10.2% equity in 2004. As of October 8, 2024, Meta has a market capitalization of about USD 1.5 trillion.
How much money does African countries lose to corruption every year and where does that money go?
The Typical African ‘Leader’
Does the Constitution of Kenya, 2010, have provisions elaborately outlining the roles and limitations of public officials?
Yes.
Does it stop corruption?
No.
Are we to assume that Kenyan politicians are beyond honesty in this generation?
Much like their counterparts across Africa, Kenyan politicians understand that the role of an elected official is the delivery of public goods.
However, many politicians and leaders (across Africa) are avoiding vision, accountability, and honesty.
They are not dedicated to changing the overall face of the continent and eradicating poverty for good.
They are locked in chasing the bag for themselves and their children.