Discrimination and Disparities in Africa: Equal Outcomes, Colonialism, and the Illusion of Blame.
When it comes to Africa’s socioeconomic struggles, we often hear that our disparities—the poverty, high unemployment, and lack of infrastructure—are legacies of colonialism. While colonial rule undoubtedly left deep scars, this narrative can overshadow more pressing issues: corruption, shortsighted economic policies, and unrestrained socialist experiments that have widened these gaps over generations. Economist Thomas Sowell’s work on disparities sheds light on how misplaced blame and misguided policies continue to entrench poverty rather than lift people out of it.
The Endless Blame Game and the Real Cost of Corruption
For many African nations, blaming colonialism has become a comfortable default for any societal issue. Yet if we’re to believe that colonial legacies are the root cause of our current predicaments, how do we explain why some post-colonial countries thrive while others struggle? A prime example is Nigeria, where enormous oil wealth was meant to transform the nation but has instead become a symbol of corruption and economic inequality. Decades after independence, much of Nigeria’s oil revenue is siphoned off by politicians and elites. This dynamic feeds inequality, as vast resources are monopolized by a few, while millions remain trapped in poverty.
Compare this to Thomas Sowell’s observation that disparities aren’t necessarily due to oppression or exploitation but can stem from systemic flaws and, often, deliberate mismanagement. Nigeria’s poverty is not the natural outcome of colonialism alone; it’s driven by corrupt governance that prioritizes political connections over economic efficiency. The resulting disparities are generations deep, creating systemic inequality that continues to block opportunities for millions.
The Socialist Experiment: Idealism Meets Reality
In the years following independence, several African nations adopted socialist policies, driven by the dream of equitable development. The idea was that government ownership and central planning could ensure wealth distribution across all social classes. Ethiopia is a notable case: under the Derg regime, socialism was implemented aggressively, with land nationalizations and state control over major industries. But the result was far from the utopia envisioned; instead, Ethiopia faced famine, poverty, and severe economic mismanagement.
This illustrates Sowell’s critique of socialist policies: they prioritize idealistic intentions over empirical outcomes. In Ethiopia’s case, the forced equalization of resources created inefficiencies that led to widespread starvation and suffering. A similar story unfolded in Tanzania with the Ujamaa village policy, where collective farming devastated agricultural productivity and made the country reliant on foreign aid. These policies ignored the on-the-ground realities and cultural variations within communities, stifling individual initiative and economic growth.
The Reality of Diversity and the Harm of Equal Outcomes Policies
Africa is a diverse continent, not just in language and ethnicity but also in values, cultural practices, and social organization. Thomas Sowell emphasizes that disparities in outcomes can reflect differences in goals, cultural values, and lifestyles rather than systemic oppression. Consider the Somali people, who have historically maintained a nomadic lifestyle, prioritizing mobility and adaptation over material accumulation. In contrast, more settled communities in Kenya and Uganda focus on farming and trade, leading to a different kind of wealth generation.
Attempting to impose a one-size-fits-all policy to achieve equal outcomes between these groups risks undermining the social and economic structures that communities have built for generations. The push for forced equalization has too often disregarded the distinct cultural landscapes across Africa. Policies aimed at “uplifting” certain groups through redistribution can inadvertently erode the self-sufficiency and resilience these groups have long maintained. Sowell’s point that disparities often stem from natural diversity is highly relevant here; rather than forcing equality, policies should focus on creating opportunities that allow diverse communities to thrive on their own terms.
Embracing Opportunity Over Outcome: Lessons from Senegal and Ghana
If equal outcomes aren’t realistic or desirable, then what’s the alternative? Sowell argues for equal opportunity rather than equal outcome, a principle that allows individuals and communities to succeed based on their values, talents, and choices. Senegal has demonstrated this approach to some extent by fostering a relatively open economy and creating policies that welcome foreign investment. In Dakar, the focus on tech infrastructure and business-friendly policies has transformed the city into a growing tech hub, creating employment and innovation opportunities.
Similarly, Ghana has seen economic progress by encouraging private enterprise, simplifying the process of doing business, and investing in education. While not perfect, these policies have led to a stronger economy and greater access to jobs and services for the population. Instead of enforcing equal outcomes, Senegal and Ghana have worked toward a more inclusive approach that respects individual initiative and economic freedom.
Reassessing the Vision
Thomas Sowell reminds us that pursuing forced equality can be misguided and, ultimately, detrimental. In Africa, efforts to “solve” disparities have sometimes created new forms of inequality, benefitting a political elite or creating dependency on foreign aid rather than empowering people from the ground up. By constantly blaming colonialism or foreign interference, we may ignore the structural reforms that are well within our control.
The question we face isn’t whether every African should have the same outcome but whether they have equal opportunity to pursue their goals. Real equality lies in the freedom to rise according to one’s abilities, ambition, and values. If we shift our focus from an endless cycle of blame and redistribution to a foundation of opportunity, Africa can forge a path to genuine prosperity—one based on diversity, empowerment, and self-determination.