Mistakes African Men Make When Moving Overseas

Africans mainly relocate to Western countries for economic reasons. If there were better options, they would rather stay in their beautiful continent dancing afrobeat. But economic opportunities are limited, so they take a perilous journey across the Atlantic, Pacific, and Mediterranean with young children after selling property or borrowing from relatives, hoping to make it big in the West. Their biggest enemy is the African statesman, whom they accuse of squandering State resources for his gain and acting oppressively.

But alas, once they set foot on their newfoundland where they thought the grass would be greener, they quickly realise that that is not the case. In this post, based on anecdotal evidence, I bring you 5 mistakes African men make when moving overseas. Trust me, if you avoid them, you will return home safe and sound.

1. Mistake #1 – Not researching about the experience of African Americans and the African Diaspora before relocating

African Americans have seen it all – slavery, Jim Crow, incarceration – name it.

With experience of close to 500 years in the United States, they know how the system works, and the psyche of those who created, control and own it.

They can predict with precision how their former slave masters will act. They have written books and regularly talk about their experiences on youtube.

To mitigate risks to you and your family, I suggest you research and read about them to understand their history but most importantly, the mindset of their former slave masters.

Second on the list among the people you need to read about are African Diaspora, many of whom have lived in the West for years, and understand the system well.

I know, when the African Diaspora advises Africans in the continent, many think they do not wish them well. But the Western world has significant flaws, most of which are glossed over by media houses and Hollywood.

Just one thing I have learned about Africans – most will not share their stories online to protect their reputation. But if you approach them privately they will tell you.

Pro tips:

• Read books written by African Americans and the African diaspora. Follow and research about the West from African and African American bloggers and vloggers.
• Remain in touch with African Americans and the African Diaspora. Join groups and events and build relationships immediately you arrive overseas. Spotted hyenas have mastered this cooperative behaviour, why not you, a rational human being?

2. Mistake #2 – Bringing young children under 16 to the West

With two serious ramifications.

First, your children will lose their Africanity – values, language, identity, heritage, respect and structure that hold African families together. Most African parents who have moved with their children to the Western world find it hard to control their behaviour, especially after they turn into teenagers.

Second, it is highly likely that your child will be taken away from you, using whatever means necessary. Historically, and even presently, Western institutions (churches, schools, police, judiciary etc) have shown deep-seated urge to remove and isolate African and black children from their families.

Whereas the stated reason is to “protect” the best interest of the child, the immediate reasons are twofold. First, for monetary gain. When a child is removed and given to a Settler family, there are benefits that come with it. Second, to take control of the young child’s mind and assimilate it into the system. This latter reason is to reduce risks to private property and the State.

Child removal, which occurred all over the Western settler States, begun with indigenous children, but has now spread to include migrant children, especially black children. It is the most devastating decision Western bureaucrats make on black children and parents, and they know it.

Pro Tips:

• Read Fostering False Identity by Tierney Sheree Peprah
• Watch videos online about child removal to be informed of things that will most likely happen to your child in the Western world
• If already in the Western world, repatriate your children to Africa to learn African values and build new relationships. I have seen several black families who have repatriated to the continent
• Above all, leave your little ones home in the continent before venturing overseas.

3. Mistake #3: Selling property before leaving Africa

This is very common among well-to-do Africans – the middle class. It also happens among the rural community. Usually, a family will sell a big chunk of land to send their daughter or son to find work in the West – big mistake.

First, there is no guarantee you will make it to the West. Second, even if you make it, you may not recover the money you “invested” in moving to the West. The economic and psychological struggles are real.

Instead, leave your property to appreciate. If things fall apart in the West, at least you have something to fall back to.

Pro tip:

• DO NOT sell your home property, it may be your only asset to revert to when things go wrong in the West.

4. Mistake #4: Getting Involved With a Local Girl

Oh boy, you are in deep trouble but you may not know it. This is probably the biggest mistake black men make in the West.

Haven’t you learned from the likes of Emmanuel Eboue, Louis Saha, Thierry Henry, or a long list of black boys swindled through divorce proceedings? And these are a few we know of because they were stars. What about thousands whose stories haven’t been told?

Louis Saha once said:

“We live in a sad world. From what I have seen, a lot of footballers wives leave after the end of their husbands’ careers… and I am one of them!”

That is true. End of career means end of money and celeb status from publicity. What value is left for her to stay in that marriage?

The African boy, coming from the village, doesn’t understand the complexity of the Western capitalistic system. Once your Oyinbo wife has a) child and b) property, you will be shown the door. That’s right, DIVORCE. 

Many African men have been caught up in this saga, and the video below tells what actually happens. It doesn’t matter whether it is in Europe or the USA, the result will always be the same – loss. EVERYTHING that you have in the West, from property to children. Then, most likely, you will be deported.

So why not learn from pros?

Pro tips:

• As an African or black man, whether born in the West or Global South, stay clear of local girls.
• Never buy property in the West, that’s what lawyers search for in the property database before even commencing divorce proceedings. Instead, invest in your home country, buying prime land.

5.  Mistake #5: Not having an exit plan

Let’s all agree. The West is not your home, however long you live there, and you will always be reminded it isn’t. You can sense it, feel it, taste it and see it.

You can also tell your life is not aligned to the system, the major source of depression and anxiety among black folks.

African Americans, who have lived in the West for hundreds of years, still feel the same to date. So, before you even leave your home can you have a solid exit plan instead of being forced to leave after you get into trouble?

Pro tip:

• I suggest you develop a plan to stay in the West for 10-15 years.
• Don’t buy toys to show off, unless they are for business. Focus on your long term goals by saving every penny you have with the goal of returning home.

Conclusion

Besides providing travel content, our role as Africans with the love for Africa, is to leverage our experience and knowledge to save you from risks you might face in the Western world. As a man moving to the West, if you want to return intact, ensure you do not make the above mistakes.