If the emotional experience is the only positive thing to come out of platforms like Facebook , Twitter , Instagram and WhatsApp , which enable real-time communication , allowing Africans and members of the diaspora to instantly share their experiences , viewpoints and cultural expressions , here again we need to capitalize on this sense of cultural belonging by creating virtual and real spaces and platforms that enable monetization of the promotion of exchanges of cultural practices In geopolitical terms , new communication technologies have amplified the voices and defended the interests of Africa and its diaspora , who , through digital tools , have found a way to join forces and defend their common interests . We saw this with the unanimous condemnation of the human zoo in France during American artist Paul McCarthy ' s Exhibit B exhibition in 2014 . The same was true of the racist 2017 exhibition in China , which placed animals and Africans side by side . Both events saw the global black community stand together and influence the continuation of these events . Social networks gave a platform to the voices of the African diaspora , enabling them to share their stories , challenges and aspirations . Activists and influencers are leveraging these platforms to raise awareness of social issues , advocate for justice and challenge stereotypes . Movements like # BlackLivesMatter have gained momentum through social media , fostering global conversations and creating networks of solidarity between Africa and its diaspora in the fight against systemic racism .
From a purely economic point of view , if digital platforms have facilitated economic links between Africa and its diaspora ; with Entrepreneurs , creators and professionals now using social networks to showcase their products , services and innovations , fostering economic collaboration . E- commerce between Africa and the diaspora is still in its infancy - crowdfunding and virtual marketplaces , despite their emergence , still fall far short of expectations . Administrative barriers and a culture of corruption and organized fraud on both sides remain endemic , o ering members of the diaspora a mixed opportunity to support businesses in Africa and vice versa .
From an educational point of view , as the quality of schooling in Africa declines and becomes increasingly inadequate in the face of globalization , social networks , for those willing to use them wisely , can serve as educational hubs , o ering opportunities for knowledge exchange and learning . Academic institutions , cultural organizations and individuals use these platforms to share research findings , educational resources and information on African history , arts and sciences . Online courses and webinars create spaces for intellectual engagement , enabling a dynamic exchange of ideas that transcends physical boundaries . Here again , however , it ' s important to understand that access to knowledge is not easy , as the content that circulates automatically on the accounts of African users and the African diaspora is generally not very instructive , but tends to focus on derisory or comical subjects that don ' t always serve the cause of scientific development for Africa and its diaspora , who are having fun when others are more studious . It ' s also important to understand that , while social networks have brought many benefits , it ' s essential to recognize the challenges they pose . The digital divide , limited access to technology and concerns about data privacy and misinformation can hamper the participation of all members of the African diaspora in these online spaces . As the world continues to navigate the opportunities and challenges of the digital age , the ongoing impact of social networks on the relationship between Africa and its diaspora is likely to shape the narrative , changing the pessimistic Afro narrative to a prouder color . However , social networks are like the ill-prepared West Indian galette kassav , which can turn into a violent poison , so the technological tool must be used wisely to control its perverse e ects , which increasingly seem to be dominating debates in Africa and in the African diaspora worldwide .
Hubert Marlin Elingui Jr . Journalist .
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Flashmag ! Issue 146 December 2023