For decades, African nations have been pouring billions into religious pilgrimages that enrich foreign economies with little to no return on investment. Every year, countless Africans embark on the Hajj pilgrimage to Saudi Arabia, generating immense revenues for the Saudi economy. Yet, Saudi Arabia, in turn, invests over $600 billion into its rich ally—the United States—while offering virtually nothing in terms of significant economic or industrial investments in Africa.
Similarly, thousands of African Christians make pilgrimage trips to Israel to visit religious sites. These visits funnel millions into Israel’s economy, helping transform what was once arid land into a thriving, first-world nation with cutting-edge infrastructure. The Israelis think, strategize, and act in their national interest. But what do African nations get in return for their unflinching devotion to these countries? Poverty, disease, and dependency.
Despite Africa being one of the largest contributors to religious tourism for both Saudi Arabia and Israel, neither country has reciprocated with tangible investments to improve African infrastructure, healthcare, or education. Nigeria, one of the largest contributors to these economies, receives nothing but hollow diplomatic pleasantries in return. It is evident that neither Saudi nor Israel has any vested interest in Africa’s development. Yet African nations would zealously defend these countries at any cost.
WHERE ARE THE MIRACLES?
Saudi Arabia, despite its immense wealth, has done nothing to uplift its African worshippers. Likewise, Israel, a global political and economic powerhouse, has offered no ‘miraculous’ assistance to African Christians. Ironically, African leaders, instead of focusing on practical strategies to develop their economies, have become spiritual salesmen—peddling prayers and miracles as the solution to deep-rooted socio-economic challenges. Meanwhile, their citizens are left scavenging for survival, trapped in cycles of war, famine, and disease.
Until Africans embrace a mindset shift and learn the strategies that have rescued other nations from poverty and stagnation, no divine intervention will save us. Even God, it seems, has left the black man to his own devices, waiting for us to deploy common sense and sound reasoning.
A CONTINENT OF WEALTH, A PEOPLE OF POVERTY
Africa is paradoxically one of the wealthiest continents in terms of natural resources. We possess the world’s largest deposits of gold, diamonds, crude oil, fertile lands, and countless other minerals. Our human resource potential is vast. Yet, we remain the global capital of poverty and disease. Why? Because we continue to invest more in religion than in infrastructure, education, and industry. While we are consumed by petty jealousies, selfishness, and short-term gratification, other nations are building legacies that will endure for generations.
The Western world, with its generational thinking, sees beyond the immediate. Meanwhile, the average African mind remains mired in primitivity, focusing on self-serving ambitions at the expense of communal progress. As a result, Africa has become the world’s largest recipient of charity. We receive aid from every corner of the globe but offer little to the world in return. We have become dependent, an international burden—a region of derision and ridicule.
THE TIME FOR CRITICAL THINKING IS NOW
It is time for us to abandon the mentality that keeps us stagnant. We must embrace critical thinking and strategic action to unlock the full potential of this continent. We must stop relying on foreign aid, religious miracles, and empty promises from global powers. Instead, we must foster innovation, regional cooperation, and leadership that prioritizes the welfare of the people over personal gain.
The world is growing weary of Africa’s inability to rise. We can no longer afford to be spectators in our own story. It is time to awaken, think generationally, and take control of our destiny. If we fail to do so, we will continue to shrink in relevance and remain a burden to the rest of the world.
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