Forget “Wakanda”, these are the Seven Lessons from ancient Egypt for anyone in political leadership

There is a lot more to Egypt than what is written in the Bible. Why we are only given snippets of it remains a wonder. Why it is mainly referred to as the enemy camp, when it was in fact a place of refuge, is baffling. Nonetheless, the bits and pieces given are sufficient to draw some valuable lessons. On the other hand, the archaeological findings from Egypt are mind-boggling; and they make you wonder, till today, who really are the Egyptians? What inspired them? How did they manage to do what they did? It is also befitting to ask, what can we learn from the Egyptians?

Here, some seven lessons I think any political leadership can draw from the Biblical accounts of Egypt.

Lesson 1: Climate change is real and ready to destroy the first born

It appears when God wanted to send the ultimate message to Pharaoh, it was through climate change. Water became bloodied; livestock became diseased; and hailstorms became the norm. Ultimately death of the firstborns. Today, even when climate events kill many more than ever before, like Pharaoh, the hearts of leaders are hardened and they remain in denial; some are closet denialists. We continue to embrace destructive technology. We are proud to use sales of polluting technology to demonstrate progress. We flirt with future technology where everyone is mindlessly flying rather than using the immediate earth to provide for needs. Perhaps we are waiting for our first born, the earth, to be destroyed, before we change; but then it will be way too late.

Lesson 2: Become the hub of trade by investing in infrastructure and support systems

We talk about mineral beneficiation as if it’s something new. Egyptians built mineral beneficiation infrastructure and systems thousands of years ago. But in 2018 AD, we are still trying to piece together policies on beneficiation, and even clap irrepressibly when someone stands in the podium to say “we must beneficiate”. Egypt was a trade hub; but this didn’t happen overnight. Infrastructure to support mining industries had to be built. Trade systems, currencies, efficient governance systems, etc. all had to be put in place. Eventually, anyone with anything of value to trade went to Egypt. The “Ishmaelites” who bought Joseph for twenty shekels of silver (a good price then) knew they would get an even better price in Egypt; in addition to the spices, balm and myrrh they had. The roadways connecting Egypt to other “international” destinations are the foundations of today’s transport infrastructure. 

Lesson 3: Embrace the arts

We often hear, “we must increase the number of learners studying maths and science”. Yes, but not at the expense of the arts. A failure of the education system must not be blamed on the arts. In fact, give me an engineer or scientist without an appreciation of the arts, and I will show you a misguided missile. Egyptian walls were not just walls, they were artistic messages. Egyptians were also deliberately artistic about their dress code. Their architecture and music influenced cultures well beyond their boundaries. All major religions were influenced by Egyptians. Who would have thought about writing the Ten Commandments on stones if it were not for the Egyptians? Jesus spent years as a youngster in Egypt. The arts give your nation a strong departure point.

 Lesson 4: Groom a nation of givers

After visiting Egypt for the first time, Abram (Abraham) became rich (Genesis 13:1-2), together with his nephew Lot. When leaving Egypt as a free people, Israelites were given the best jewellery and clothes (Exodus 12:35-36). So generous were the Egyptians that every time the Israelites became troubled, they remembered the good life in Egypt. Even as slaves, Israelites owned livestock. For seven years when there was a great famine in the region, Egyptians sold grain to feed them instead of holding back. Giving nations become prosperous. The “what’s in for me” mentality is primitively backwards. Who are we deliberately helping? In speeches, what are we saying about helping others?

Lesson 5: Xenophobia and protectionist laws take you nowhere

Even though he was a foreigner, Joseph was able to make it to highest office in Egypt. Moses was adopted by the royal family. Egypt became a place of refuge for Joseph and Mary when Herod was wreaking havoc in Bethlehem. When there was great famine in Canaan, Abram went to Egypt and prospered. Moses’ wife was Egyptian. Ishmael’s mother was Egyptian. Egyptians employed Hebrews as midwives in their hospitals, and trusted them with their own children. Just a few reminders that a country advances when you embrace the best professionals from other nations. Protectionist laws are backward, and take you nowhere. Some of the best teachers will come from foreign soils.

Lesson 6: Don’t mention science and technology in passing

Many political leaders see science and technology as a foreign concept. Manifestos of most political parties mention it in passing and not as the mainstay. On the contrary, Egypt was the hub of science and technology. When Moses and Aaron wanted to show a great miracle of turning a rod to a serpent, the Egyptians already knew how to do it (Exodus 7:10-11); so they were not surprised. Their industries, including agriculture and mining were advanced. They perfected humanitarian logistics and were able to feed the entire population and other nations during disaster periods. They were able to scientifically forecast. When Joseph advised about the forthcoming climate challenges, they listened and implemented as advised. This did not happen by happenstance. It was because they saw science and technology as the mainstay. When science and technology institutions struggle to keep afloat, you have to wonder about our priorities.

Lesson 7: Become a builder of infrastructure that lasts

Egypt is well known for its buildings and architecture. The pyramid structures, the dams, prisons, temples, storage facilities, etc. were part of an on-going capital investment programme. Also, what was built lasted for thousands of years. When you build a road that only lasts for a month, as the norm, you are in serious trouble. When you build houses for your citizens that are washed away like they are built on sand, and your trains are wrongly specified, you are on the wrong track. When your hospitals are crumbling, leaving the vulnerable to be even more vulnerable, then you are simply broadcasting the message “I really don’t care, Do U”. With thousands of years of experience in buildings, why is it that we often look like we are only now learning?

I believe there are many more lessons to draw from the ancient Egyptians, good and bad. What have you learnt from them, or from any other nation for that matter?

Author: Mathetha Mokonyama