The General Cynicism

Last year Wired Magazine published a story about Money Box a mobile banking solution developed in Nigeria with some German technology. Writer Bruce Sterling added the following editorial quip.

“I’m all for African liquidity, but when I consider that Nigeria is the world superpower of 419 fraud and that everybody there is toting shiny new banking cell phones, all I can do is hold my breath.”

I appreciate his honesty because it reflects the general attitude of the whole industry about the continent’s progress. The first challenge of Africa is a mind game, to kill prejudices and wary feelings like the one expressed above. Until that happens, it only makes sense that potential investors will hold their purses tight when sitting across diplomats from the continent at board meetings.

Photo Credit: ManiacWorld