Introduction

Africa suffers from brain drain; the cause: elsewhere is better? Educated individuals and talented people leave Africa for supposedly better career opportunities and living conditions. They prefer to stay in foreign countries where, in general, their skills are valued. They become effective sports professionals, engineers, teachers, scientists, innovators, experts in different fields, and researchers abroad. Frustrated with troubles in their homeland, they think they will be more valued in and by the Global North, depending on their career path.

Disconnect between Politicians and Researchers 

There is a significant disconnect between skilled individuals and their impoverished countries. African intellectuals contribute to developed nations but face political challenges at home. They only sigh: “My poor country!” upon landing or taking off. Ethically driven intellectuals typically do not ignore their homeland. However, politicians and researchers, among others, often have different priorities. Researchers’ calls for action go unheard, and those who become special advisors to presidents may become corrupt.

Hope through Civic and Ethnically Grounded Education  

Future hope lies in the possibility of empowering civic engagement and ethnically grounded education. On one hand, effective civic education trains citizens in responsibility and sustainable development, with accountability as part of the curriculum. Inviting foreign specialists can be both an honour and a shame, helpful yet sometimes tricky. On the other hand, ethnically grounded schooling reinforces the identity of each existing ethnicity within the country and exposes their equipotency. One of the best approaches is to value native intellectuals and talented individuals of all ethnic groups. Their deep understanding of the local context is key to bringing solutions. Considering this, instead of solving problems abroad, they are the ones required by international and regional NGOs and external funding to work locally for their expertise. However, as global citizens, they are also expected to engage internationally, bringing benefits to all humanity. 

Conclusion

The individual free and forced choices affecting several skilled and high-potential African citizens result in a massive brain drain in Africa. Reducing brain drain is crucial for African emergency empowerment.

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