Magatte Wade: Africa Isn’t Poor Because of Colonization — It’s Time to Stop Making Excuses

In a powerful message resonating across economic, cultural, and political circles worldwide, Senegalese entrepreneur Magatte Wade has openly challenged one of the most repeated narratives in global progressive discourse: that Africa's poverty is solely the result of European colonization.

Speaking at a conference on economic development and individual freedom, Wade expressed clearly and confidently that it’s time to stop using colonialism as an excuse for the lack of progress. “When I hear people tell me today, ‘Africa is poor because of colonization,’ I say, please, let’s move past that,” she declared.

Wade explained that if colonization were the direct cause of poverty, then many other colonized nations would not have prospered. She cited compelling examples: Singapore, now wealthier than its former colonial ruler, Britain; Hong Kong, which fueled the rise of the Chinese economy; and China itself, whose economic boom has inspired dozens of nations.

Colonization Isn’t the Exception—It’s the Historical Norm

According to Wade, colonization should not be seen as a phenomenon unique to Africa, but rather as a constant throughout human history. “Colonizing one another is the history of humanity,” she emphasized. “It just so happens that Africa was one of the last regions to be colonized, and we act like this never happened elsewhere before.”

This perspective breaks with the victimhood narrative often promoted by progressive sectors, which persist in blaming the West for all of Africa’s problems—ignoring internal factors such as corruption, authoritarianism, tribalism, and a lack of respect for the rule of law.

Respect Only Comes with Prosperity

One of Wade’s most powerful messages was her call for self-reliance and economic growth as the path to global respect. “We’re tired of being disrespected,” she said. “You want to be respected in this world? Then you must be among the most prosperous.”

This message especially resonates in places like the United States, where conversations around reparations, racial justice, and historical guilt often overlook real solutions grounded in work, innovation, and free-market principles.

A Republican Vision from Africa

Magatte Wade represents a new generation of African thinkers who reject socialism, dependence on international aid, and globalist policies imposed by multilateral institutions. Instead, they promote economic freedom, private property, and individual responsibility—principles also championed by the Republican Party in the United States.

Her message is a powerful reminder that progress does not come from blaming the past, but from building the future with strong values, clear rules, and the freedom to create and innovate.