In my lifetime, developed nations have pumped countless billions of dollars of aid into Sub-Saharan Africa to improve sanitation, hygiene, agricultural production, self-sufficiency, micro-production, communications, and to defuse tensions. Where is the payoff? Is there an irresistible African Eden? I have seen several recent articles that suggest that great things are expected of Sub-Saharan Africa. I confess that I don't see it. After you remove Arab North Africa and (for historical reasons) the Republic of South Africa, where is the seed of hope? Where in Africa do expats go just for the quality of life? I can think of places in Europe, North and Central and South America, Australia, and the Far East where expats flock, but is there a similar home-away-from-home in Africa?
Let me make myself clear. I don't mean the diplomats and company execs who live in a false economy, enjoying a lifestyle they couldn't maintain at home. And I don't mean the Albert Schweitzer-like humanitarians who revel, to a degree, in the lack of modernity. (And God bless them for it.) I'm talking about normal folks who have gathered their savings and said, "The heart of Africa is where I want to be." Does it happen?
I'm taking nominations for that sweet African spot that offers internal and personal security, quality healthcare, and the other amenities that people want.
Okay, how about these places:
Douala, Cameroon
Dakar, Senegal
Nairobi, Kenya (more or less)
Windhoek, Namibia
Praia, Cape Verde
EPF NOTE: Nice reply. I appreciate the positive voice. I've heard good things about Windhoek, and I've popped through Praia and heard it's nice. I leave it to others to confirm your assessment. I'm surprised at the inclusion of Douala and Dakar, as I have heard that they lack expected features like reliable electricity, and non-worrisome public sanitation and health services. It's not enough that the dollar (pound, franc, etc.) goes a long way. The final word must come from expats with life experience.
Posted by: TheMalau | March 29, 2006 10:41 AM | Permalink to Comment