While in the days of the Zanjs it is unlikely that the citizen of the medieval empire of Great Zimbabwe in southern Africa would have known that some of his fellow Africans were fighting for their freedom in the East , today the emergence of social networks over the last few decades has introduced a new dimension to this relationship , where the feeling of belonging to a race and to a common cause dominates debates . At last , Africans from all 4 corners of the world are realizing that they have had the same oppressors , and understand from the similarities in their history that they are one people , united in the diversity of their rich cultures . The advent and widespread adoption of social networks in the digital age has brought about significant transformations in the way societies interact , communicate and share information . While it ' s undeniable that social networks have reshaped socio-cultural relations between Africa and its diaspora , fostering new connections , amplifying voices and contributing to a dynamic exchange of ideas , cultures and experiences . It would be timely to translate this epiphenomenon into real capital . Then there ' s the fact that social networks are powerful tools for artificially reducing geographical distances , and linking individuals from one continent to another . How can this be quantified in terms of a better life for Africans in the 4 corners of the world ? Beyond the virtual , how are Africa and the diaspora using technology to converge towards a better future ? These questions , alas , receive mixed answers , for while fields such as music have received powerful marketing tools through digital platforms , enabling certain artists who would never have had the slightest chance of becoming known and making a living from their art if it weren ' t for digital technology and social networks , the record remains mixed when it comes to using new communication technologies to create wealth in the diaspora . For example , digital commerce remains very poor in Africa , whereas in countries such as the United States and China it has produced super-rich people like the founder of Amazon , or Ali Baba , in Africa and its diaspora no super-rich person has so far emerged from the pack . This lack of success for African entrepreneurs , or the African diaspora , is due as much to the African community ' s lukewarm support for African businesses , as to the reputation for lack of professionalism that seems to hang over businesses founded by Africans , and the African diaspora as a whole . .
Flashmag ! Issue 146 December 2023
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