THE CASE FOR SOCIALISM IN AFRICA

It’s hard to imagine a region more devastated by neoliberal policies than Africa. As African Stream Editor-in-Chief Ahmed Kaballo argues, socialism offers a people-centred, culturally sensitive social and economic alternative.

Our founder (@ahmedkaballo on X and @a.kaballo on IG) shared the experience of his Nairobi-based barber, who lost his son as a result of structural issues that led to inadequate healthcare. Essentially, International Monetary Fund (IMF) policies encouraged government underfunding, which led to a doctors' strike that understaffed the hospital. Despite raising KSh1.3 million ($10,000) for treatment, he couldn't reach the required Ksh1.7 million ($13,000), leading the hospital to withhold his son's body until it apparently realised it could not extract any more money from him.

That is what neoliberalism means for African people. Global financial institutions like the IMF prescribe policies prioritising austerity over public welfare, forcing people into desperate situations. Ahmed Kaballo argues that the imposition of colonial capitalism has eroded our traditional African values of compassion and community, making the case for a more collective system that aligns with African cultural principles. Ultimately, for Africa to rise, capitalism must fall.

Video credit: @ahmedkaballo8 (TikTok)

Sources

Doctors strike

https://thekenyatimes.com/health/kenyan-doctors-strike

Africa and neoliberalism

https://ricyeboah.com/2016/08/10/the-impact-of-neoliberalism-on-post-colonial-africa-in-the-20th-century

https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/full/10.1080/14747731.2018.1502491