r/AskAnAfrican Jul 02 '25

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17 Upvotes

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r/AskAnAfrican 1d ago

African Discussion Remote Work as an African

6 Upvotes

Hello everyone.

I just wanted to know about becoming a remote worker in Africa, is it feasible? I want to enrol for training and there is this lady offering the training for like $65, should I enrol? Will I be able to find a job? How easy was it for you to find a remote role as an African?

Is the fee and amount worth it? If you are an African remote worker, what do you wish you knew beforehand? Lastly which payment gateways do you use? Is payment ever delayed?

I appreciate any advise you might have.


r/AskAnAfrican 1d ago

History Advice on potentially writing white characters who were born under colonialism and apartheid in 20th-century Africa and are consciously learning to be less racist?

10 Upvotes

So like: South Africa, Namibia back when it was called South West Africa, Zimbabwe back when it was called (Southern) Rhodesia, Zambia back when it was called Northern Rhodesia, British Kenya, French Algeria, maybe Portuguese Angola and/or Mozambique, etc.

Note also:

  • I am trying to avoid saviorism (most of these characters I'm thinking of aren't the main active protags in anything set in Africa) and simplistic morality. I'm trying to explore how white settlers in Africa have benefited from these exploitative systems but also how they may hold a diverse range of opinions on the matter, ranging from dedicated opposition to milquetoast moral handwringing to active White Man's Burden crusading to openly callous greed to horrific sadism (and, on that note, that Black people had a similar range of responses toward colonialism and apartheid, with some actively collaborating as enforcers and informants for the white-dominated security apparatus). Thus, the white settler characters I've thought up so far would range from deuteragonists (especially of the Lancer and/or Dr. Watson varieties) and helpful side characters (especially of the Unfazed Everyperson variety), to ruthless villains (though note that most of the brutality I want to show such villains inflicting on the page would be against non-Black characters, especially if they became hired guns after apartheid ended; otherwise it'd feel too exploitative). Some of these characters of differing moral alignments are related to each other, which should lend itself well to interesting scenes of family interactions.

  • These characters were born at different times. Some were born in Africa, or arrived as kids, in the early to mid-20th c. and grew up under European and settler rule; the more heroic individuals among these people presumably either always had at least a bit more sympathy for their Black neighbors than usual for white people in colonial Africa, or else had an Are We The Baddies? realization at some point in their formative years. Others would've been born later, right before or during the official end of colonial rule and/or apartheid, and are shaped by growing up with the restructuring process as background radiation (and by the opinions of the influential mentors and peers in their lives, whatever those opinions are and whether the character in question is agreeing with or consciously rejecting them).


r/AskAnAfrican 2d ago

African Discussion Question for African men: Do you see women with albinism as potential life partners or just curiosity?

14 Upvotes

One of the strangest things African society does to people with albinism is removing us from conversations about attraction, romance, and desirability. It's subtle sometimes but it's there.

Men either over-fetishize us or completely desexualize us.

"l've never been with an albino before."

I’ve heard that more than once and every time I do, I wonder what I’m supposed to say. Am I being seen as a person or as someone’s new experience?

Many people with albinism already grow up carrying invisible questions about attractiveness, not because we're unattractive, but because society constantly reflects strange messages back at us.

You start wondering whether men truly like you for who you are or are just curious about being with an Albino or want to fulfill their fantasies. I’d love to marry an African man that’s soft, respectful, honest but sometimes i feel like it’s never genuine without the fetish behavior attached.


r/AskAnAfrican 3d ago

History Polygamy in Precolonial Africa

14 Upvotes

Something's not adding up. How were men polygamous in Precolonial Africa, with two+ wives when the ratio of men to women has always been 1:1 ? Didn't they take all the women? Does that mean some men were left with no wives?

I know marriage and childbirth was highly revered in many Precolonial societies, so men could not be bachelors their entire adult lives ( same with women). So that begs the question, is this whole "African men were polygamous" just inaccurate, rather the wealthy ones were but the regular man had just one wife? Or were young men dying off at faster rates than women, maybe being killed in wars/ devoured by wild animals while hunting leaving more women behind than men?

Appreciate any response. Thank you


r/AskAnAfrican 4d ago

Food Why is gas cooking more common than electric stoves in many African countries?

12 Upvotes

Hi everyone,

I have a genuine question out of curiosity.

I've noticed that in many African countries, a lot of people seem to cook with gas rather than electric stoves. I would have thought electric cooktops are more convenient and easier to use.

Is there a particular reason why gas is still preferred? Is it mainly because of electricity costs, power outages, infrastructure, cooking habits, or something else?

I'd love to hear about your experiences and learn more. Thanks!


r/AskAnAfrican 5d ago

Culture In your region, what would the implications be of labeling someone a “witch?”

20 Upvotes

I know the answer will vary tremendously by religion and region.

A Zimbabwean immigrant in the US called my daughter a witch because a feral, fearful neighborhood cat is friendly with my daughter but no one else. I thought she was joking but she said she was serious and that she was afraid of my daughter. This would be a very unusual thing for an American to say.

In your region, what would be the implications of believing that someone is a witch? Would most people consider this to be an outdated, superstitious thing to call someone? Would most people be afraid of a “witch?” Is there a big divide between how witches are viewed by Christians, Muslims, and traditionalists in your area?

I’d love to hear from people in Zimbabwe but also want to hear from other African communities.


r/AskAnAfrican 5d ago

Culture Is it really such a major taboo for people of different ethnic groups/tribes to marry in Africa?

9 Upvotes

As a European who has only recently started studying the cultures of Sub-Saharan Africa, I was surprised to read that ethnic or tribal identity is often considered the strongest aspect of a person's identity, to the point that it can discourage or even prevent marriage between people from different ethnic groups, even when they share the same religion.

Is this actually true?


r/AskAnAfrican 5d ago

African Discussion Why do some Africans celebrate Gaddafi, was he actually a good man?

33 Upvotes

r/AskAnAfrican 6d ago

African Discussion What's one thing about living in Africa that outsiders or foreigners would never understand until they experience it themselves?

15 Upvotes

r/AskAnAfrican 7d ago

History How do you view the historical research of Isaac Samuel?

4 Upvotes

Isaac Samuel is an independent researcher rather than an academic, and if I were asked to suggest an introduction to his work, I would show you this: https://www.africanhistoryextra.com/p/acemoglu-in-kongo-a-critique-of-why


r/AskAnAfrican 10d ago

Economy When it comes to Subsaharan-Africa, which is the most developed country in your opinion?

18 Upvotes

r/AskAnAfrican 10d ago

Music Were there many discotheques (nightclubs where disco music was largely played) in Africa in the heyday of disco around 1974 to 1978? Why or why not?

2 Upvotes

Not sure.


r/AskAnAfrican 11d ago

History Do you think any African country will host the Olympic Games someday?

22 Upvotes

Regarding the FIFA World Cup, it's well known that South Africa was the first African country to host the tournament, but when it comes to the Olympic Games, the story is different

I find it regrettable that in 2026, no edition of the Olympic Games had been held in Africa, a continent so vast in size and population, yet Australia already has three confirmed editions, the next one in Brisbane

And yes, you must be thinking the obvious: economic and political instability is what made this impossible. The Olympic movement, which so often claims to be universal, has only been able to take place in countries with significant economic power, and this clearly excludes nations harmed by the curse of colonialism

And something important to point out is that, yes, this year the Summer Youth Olympics are being held in Dakar, Senegal, but I was referring to the regular editions, the ones that receive the most international attention, which doesn't seem likely to happen anytime soon

I still imagine an alternate scenario where several African countries not only resisted European invasion but also achieved enough development to host the Olympic Games at least a couple of times


r/AskAnAfrican 11d ago

Relationships How to handle a highly insulting elder in a culture where "adults are always right" without starting a family war?

40 Upvotes

How to handle a highly insulting elder in a culture where "adults are always right" without starting a family war?

I come from a traditional African family culture where age hierarchy is deeply respected, and seniors/elders are treated as if they are always right. Unfortunately, this dynamic has allowed some abusive people in our extended family to mistreat younger relatives with zero accountability.

​The biggest bully in our extended family is my uncle (my aunt’s husband). He is incredibly insulting and disguises his malice as "jokes." For example:

​I am gay, and he has publicly yelled at me, calling me a "sissy," only to laugh it off afterward.

​He recently told my sister in front of dozens of people that ever since she got married, she has "lost her value" (using a highly offensive, specific term in our native language).

​Whenever a younger adult finally snaps and responds with matching aggression or unkind words, the other elders immediately chime in to chastise the younger person for "disrespecting a senior." They never reprimand the bully. Instead, they defend him by saying "he was just playing" or "it was just a joke."

​This has caused massive resentment. We end up fighting both the bully and our own parents at the same time. Even when the fight doesn't involve me directly—like when a cousin stands up to him—hearing my mother defend this man causes heated arguments between us later when I bring up the things he has said to me.

​I already avoid family functions as much as possible, but total avoidance isn't always feasible. When I am stuck in the middle of these situations, I freeze and don't know how to protect my peace without escalating a massive shouting match.

​Is a simple, flat "No comment" or complete silence enough when he targets me or relatives ask for my input?

​How do you maintain personal boundaries and dignity in a culture where standing up for yourself is automatically labelled as "disrespect"?

​What are some low-energy, polite, but firm exit strategies or phrases I can use in the moment?

​Thank you in advance for any advice.


r/AskAnAfrican 11d ago

History African history books recommendations

6 Upvotes

Am looking for recommendations on books on African history that preferably cover single African countries history in depth and are not generic. I would especially prefer the history before colonialism, during and leading to independence. Thanks


r/AskAnAfrican 11d ago

African Discussion Africans, what are your current majors/professions? And why are you guys so many Africans against Pan-Africanism?

0 Upvotes

So tell me


r/AskAnAfrican 12d ago

Economy Why aren't some African countries specialised in certain economic sectors?

10 Upvotes

Switzerland and Luxemburg are spezialised in the financial economy in almost all aspects. How come no African nations dont certain expertise in their natural resource economy. For example Ivory Coast is mainly coco exporter, yet they lack the expertise to turn cocoa into finished goods instead exporting the intemediary good to west.


r/AskAnAfrican 12d ago

Geopolitics Why do Nigerians still need visas for many African countries despite the African Union's goal of greater free movement?

6 Upvotes

I'm curious why Nigerian passport holders often need visas to visit many African countries, while citizens of some other African nations have easier access. Is it mainly due to immigration concerns, reciprocity, security issues, or something else?


r/AskAnAfrican 12d ago

Politics What do you think were nelson mandela's biggest mistakes?

8 Upvotes

r/AskAnAfrican 14d ago

Economy Trading in Africa.

14 Upvotes

European and American companies often appear to thrive more successfully across African markets than African-owned companies. This difference raises questions about structural, financial, and regulatory factors that may favor foreign firms, while limiting the ability of local businesses to expand beyond their home countries.

What is your experience and observation in your country in relation to this?


r/AskAnAfrican 14d ago

Economy What is your opinion of capitalism and do you believe its working for the average worker in your country?

0 Upvotes

r/AskAnAfrican 14d ago

Other Is there a significant cosplay community in your country?

3 Upvotes

Like are there events similar to that of comic con where people dressed as their favorite characters/OCs come together?


r/AskAnAfrican 14d ago

African Discussion Africans, let us gist! What is your most controversial opinion about your country/culture?

17 Upvotes

What are your controversial opinions about Africans, African culture, or things we do? One that would likely get you verbally lashed at a family party, but you still stand by that opinion?

I’ll start:

Some of the biggest critics of nepotism in Nigeria would absolutely hire their brother/cousin/sister/uncle first if given the chance.
Let’s be honest!

Your turn - What is an opinion about Africans/African culture that you’d probably get downvoted for, but you’ll stand by regardless?


r/AskAnAfrican 15d ago

Travel Traveling to Africa with albinism?

32 Upvotes

I have heard since I was younger that going to Africa with albinism isn’t the safest or smartest option. Now that I’m older I’d like to ask around for other opinions. I am African American and I have albinism, but I’d like to travel to Africa one day. Any opinions on this topic?