Beyond Fear, is Freedom.
Amid a re-scramble for Africa, it has become abundantly clear that the only thing that has kept Africans blinded and on the periphery of control of our own destiny, has been fear; of failure, of offence and of our own potential. In this post, I offer an additional perspective on real liberation and my trust's role in it.
Recently, I hurt my foot by accidentally knocking it against some furniture in the middle of the night, perhaps a gentle reminder of my humanness from God. Being the over-thinker that occasionally likes to walk a 10 km or swim to calm my mind that I am, my biggest concern in life right now is how long the recovery time will be.
After a brief moment of anger at the limitation of my physical state, my mind quickly went into empathy-mode for those who live with physical disabilities. Having had to navigate weight issues, autism and ADD, I can relate to the the frustrations physiological adversity can have on quality of life, to a certain extent. Thankfully, new technologies like those by Neuralink will begin to restore hope in such marginalised persons and will protect them.
Many suffer from depression and are consequently susceptible to physical and emotional abuse. On some level, Africans worldwide are inherently empathetic towards such individuals because we are simply wired that way. Unfortunately, our cultural generosity, hospitality and (often) superior physical capabilities have been preyed upon or weaponised against us to spur productivity for colonialists.
A former Kenyan head of state advised the youth to take charge of our destiny on a platform many may not have had access to. It was not immediately apparent why he afforded such warning at first. However, as I began founding The Ndege Group , Africa's Sovereign Development Trust in 2022, the reason became apparent - this century's world war is one over resources and is being fought on an emotional battlefield, which has directly translated into a media war over hearts and minds.
In a practical sense beyond the online realm, despite the desire to be and do better, many remain oppressed because of limit of circumstance, network and opportunity. Whilst some may want to resist, the reality is not many can. I cannot help but think that deep down, as he spoke the words, "Guard your mind," he knew that there would be very few of us to exist outside of many limits others face, economically, diplomatically, socially and spiritually.
I remain sensitive to the fact that any geopolitical change, whether small or large, must be handled with sensitivity, especially when those who currently control power dynamics can quickly label a person or institution terrorists or their warriors depending on allegiance and perspective. I remind key actors that both labels are a function of perspective and conditioning of a human being's natural state over time - something not many of the 7.5 billion+ people on earth realise that they are and have been voluntarily or involuntarily subject to from as early as 1960.
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Particularly in Africa, the last frontier, historical injustices, present atrocities and uncertain futures shape so much of our international relations and I urge the old guard to end their tyranny and approach power brokerage from a perspective of equitable development for stakeholders, particularly the youth and the marginalised. Failure to do so and world leaders will quickly learn that consent to their leadership and any artificial control over us as a people, may be withdrawn if the narrative does not shift soon.
If for nothing else, realise that Africans know God like no other people and it's why He has saved His greatest development project, our promotion onto the the world stage in an unquestionable and unshakable way, for last. To position itself as the facilitator of this power-shift, The Ndege Group has been established via will and a shortlist of potential Executive Directors been voted on.
The three brands under Ndege International Limited, its holding company, are:
Yes, yes. Big goals for one with far too soft a heart. But those who know me well will attest that I have always dreamt big and achieved anything I put my mind to. Lately, my need for external validation has shifted to an inward one with the realisation that I hope will inspire other leaders in Africa; you only need God and you to believe in you. On the basis of this alone, we will liberate Africa - Ubuntu is our ultimate weapon against oppression.
Following one more post on the 16th of April, I will take 6-month break from LinkedIn-blogging to focus on our work. While my writing has proven to be impactful, the time to exist beyond the ether and the shadows has come.
For now, I pray a prayer of gratuity for the calm, clarity and renewed fearlessness in you as you find yourself and fulfil your purpose, dear African. You've got this!