Moving to Africa

I received a phone call yesterday from a nice gentleman who wanted to know where to start. You see, he intends to move permanently to Ghana in a couple of years and has no idea where to get started in his preparations.

I'm no moving consultant; but I was struck by his desire to move to Africa and bring his skills with him so as to assist in the development Ghana in whatever way he could. I must admit honestly that he didn't have a great knowledge of the country or the things he would need to do to get there. But again, his passion impressed me. With two years to go, he has the time to become informed and here is a piece of the advice I gave:

Before deciding on moving to a foreign country, find out the basics by visiting the US State Department's website (or equivalent organization from your country of citizenship) and find out what they advise for citizens who want to live abroad in that country. You will often find information concerning everything from health insurance, real estate, schools, and an array of other concerns you might have while living there. Then contact the local embassy or consulate from that nation. For example, the Ghanaian Embassy in Washington D.C can inform him of the visa requirements and tell him what things he will and will not be able to do as a foreigner living in Ghana.

Africa has a major problem of brain drain. Thousands of Africans leave their home countries each year looking for opportunity elsewhere and they take their training, skills and experiences with them. It is clear that there is a role for those who are interested in reversing the "Brain Drain" and immigrating to African countries in order to contribute their skills and abilities.

But first, check out the area you would like to move to... thouroughly. Good intention, without good research, can be more harmful than good: not only to the people you are going to help; but to you as well.

Blessings,
Mama

A few times a week, I receive emails from people across the globe. The questions are as diverse as the people asking them; but they have one thing in common: they are about Africa.

School children write to ask why Africans are poor or what children in Ghana eat for dinner. Women ask me the safest African country to visit alone or what they can do to support a woman in Rwanda so that she too can feed her children. Some people ask about investing in African companies or how their church can do a fundraiser to support a sister church in Kenya.

The questions are varied, that is for sure. But the other day I started to think that posting the answers to some of the questions I receive might be a fun thing to do. It's like teachers say to their students: "Ask the question and know you aren't wasting my time because there is certainly someone else in the class who is wondering the same thing.

So please feel free to ask your questions concerning Africa, Africans and issues relavent to the African continent. I am far from a "know it all"; but I'll try to answer most of them depending on my time constraints. And when I can't answer directly, I'll try to point you in the right direction to find the right answer or solution.

Please note though that any inappropriate questions or abusive posts will be deleted immediately.

OK, now its up to you...