My African-Country-a-Week project has arrived in Senegal. This is a former French colony with 13 million people and per-capita GDP of $2100, making it one of the wealthier countries in Africa. It is also one of the continent’s most stable democracies.
I needed a break from reading weighty books, so I watched a documentary instead. It was “West Africa Today: Lebanese and Chinese Entrepreneurs“, accessed through the Filmakers Library archive. (Many universities have access to it through their online databases.) It’s a story about immigrants to Senegal and Ghana. Both nations have had Lebanese groups since about 1860; Chinese migration is more recent.
Many of the Lebanese immigrants landed in Dakar on their way to the United States. Some were confused about where they had landed; others were misled by unscrupulous ship captains. In any event, they preferred Senegal to the turmoil at home, and they got to work establishing businesses.
The Chinese immigrants are also small business people; these are not employees of the multinational oil companies but rather enterprising traders looking to establish retail and wholesale businesses for clothing and household goods. Some want to stay, but many want to make some money and move back.
And, of course, there’s a mix of resentment and solidarity toward both groups.
What struck me was the view of grassroots economic development. Senegal is a place that is stable enough to attract and retain immigrants, and it has a level of entrepreneurship. People are willing to start businesses.
That’s good. For although Senegal is not exactly a rich country, it does have greater wealth – and health – than much of Africa. With more education (49.7% of the adult population is literate), smart exploitation of the nation’s mineral wealth (gold, iron ore), and a great natural harbor at Dakar, Senegal could become an economy to be reckoned with.
Three months into this project, I feel that I know much more Africa than when I started – although that’s not saying much. I’m getting some context, though, and that’s good. Next up: The Gambia.
