A recent tweet by user "vittorio" has ignited a widespread discussion regarding Africa's technological progress, the impact of colonialism, and the efficacy of international humanitarian aid. The tweet controversially claimed that Africa's only technological advancements occurred during the colonial period, asserting that post-decolonization, progress has regressed, and that a YouTuber is now achieving more than billions in humanitarian aid. This perspective contrasts sharply with historical records and ongoing development efforts across the continent.
Historical evidence contradicts the notion that technological advancement in Africa was limited to the colonial era. Pre-colonial African societies developed sophisticated iron metallurgy, with some African furnaces producing more iron per smelt than contemporary European techniques. Innovations also include advanced agricultural practices like terracing and irrigation systems, as seen in the Kingdom of Mapungubwe and Nyanga, Zimbabwe. Furthermore, ancient African cultures made significant strides in mathematics, with unique numeration systems, and astronomy, exemplified by structures like the African Stonehenge.
Post-decolonization, Africa has faced complex development challenges, yet it has also seen considerable technological growth. The continent has experienced a dramatic surge in mobile phone adoption and internet usage, driving innovation in areas like mobile banking, healthcare solutions, and digital connectivity. While challenges persist in infrastructure and economic development, many African nations are actively pursuing technological advancements and fostering local innovation, moving beyond the colonial legacy.
The effectiveness and impact of the "billions in humanitarian aid" directed towards Africa have long been subjects of debate. Critics point to issues such as poor coordination, dependency creation, and the politicization of aid, which can sometimes hinder long-term sustainable development. Despite these challenges, humanitarian aid remains crucial in addressing immediate crises, providing essential services, and supporting vulnerable populations in regions affected by conflict, climate change, and poverty.
In this context, popular YouTuber MrBeast, whose real name is Jimmy Donaldson, gained significant attention for his "I Built 100 Wells in Africa" project. His initiative provided clean drinking water to approximately 500,000 people across several countries, including Kenya, Cameroon, Uganda, Zimbabwe, and Somalia. While widely praised for its tangible impact, the project also sparked discussions about the role of individual philanthropy versus systemic development efforts and the perception of Africa as dependent on external assistance. MrBeast himself acknowledged the unusual nature of his involvement, stating, "I know it’s weird that a YouTuber has to do all this stuff, but someone’s got to do it."