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Someome Raised Questions On The Difference Between French Africa And Anglophone Africa

2009 November 11
by Munashe Gumbonzvanda

Subsaharska a blogger partaking on discussed about African  wrote a post titled: Why Francophone Africa is less dynamic than Anglophone Africa.

The discussion was started by a blogger named Neo, but I found Subsaharska’s theory quite intriguing. Quoting his post

For some time, I have indeed wondered why it is that the English speaking countries seem to be doing better overall than the French speaking countries. Obviously, this hasn’t always been the case, but currently countries like Ghana, Kenya, Tanzania, South Africa, and yes, Nigeria are either up and coming or in general, doing quite well.

Then on the other hand, countries such as all the Guineas, both Congos, CAR, Cote d’Ivoire, and others still have a ways to go in a great number of issues. There are exceptions to this gross generalization of course in that Senegal and Benin are doing rather well. But overall it begs the question: were the British a better Colonial power than the French, Belgians, Germans, Italians, Portuguese, or Spaniards? The answer is no, not really because that’s a lot like asking, which terminal cancer you think is the best to have. Amongst the field of choice, there are maybe slightly better options, but overall, it’s all the same damned thing.

It’s clear that Neo has thought a great deal about this as he’s brought points that I had never considered, which basically comes down to the work ethic of Protestant vs. Catholic. Yes, European religions are still having an affect on 21st century Africa.

This is basically a post-colonial theory he was stating here. The fact that a group of oppressed people  -in this case Africans- take on some attributes of those who conquer or oppress them as a survival tactic. I do not disagree with his analysis,(I will stay clear of his use of religion as an example though) I actually feel more people need to start thinking about colonialization and figuring out the effects it had on the African psyche.

That said. I want to form an independent argument on why I think development in French Africa in the technology sector is smaller in comparison to English speaking Africa. I think French Africa has it hard because

  • The Governments of French speaking African countries have harder access to world capital, in terms of aid and investment due to the fact that in general investment comes in from the English speaking international community.
  • Remember that America is the dominant superpower, and Britain a regional power, and Asia (China and Andia) are more fluent in English than French and engage in Anglophone African countries more regularly in terms of investment and aid.
  • In terms of the available market for their products, Anglophone Africa has a broader market share and is the norm for international consumers. The international language is English, and people are more willing to engage with technology services in English than French. I know I do
  • French speaking Africa has a smaller connection to the international world as a group compared to English speaking Africa; for example look at South Africa, they have a great international community. This is the community which is actually creating the culture of innovation.

I use the term international community to refer to middle class world citizens regardless of race who may or may not be citizens of that country, but have access to world markets. The general trend is that most African countries are poor, but those who have a larger number of Westerners and Asians investing and participating economically in the society responsibly, are better of.

Colonization has had an effect, no doubt. The effect on Africa has been devastating. I think post colonial theory is important.

I also suggest looking at development, not as a by-product of colonization, but as a something affected by modern economic forces.

Anyway below is a list of African Countries who speak French

Peep on Gatorpeeps 

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from → Pan-African

View Comments leave one →
  1. KB permalink
    February 22, 2010

    read some Frantz Fannon?

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