Making a career move to Sub Saharan Africa could be one of the most challenging decisions you ever make. If you are an international development expert who wants to try to work in Sub Saharan Africa, preparation should be your keyword. We listed some insights and tips from development consultants with years of experience on this great continent.
What major challenges have you faced while working in Sub Saharan Africa?
While there are many cultural features common across Sub Saharan Africa, there are usually interesting local variations to be encountered. One has to be quick to learn. Development practitioners say they are
‘intervening’ in a local situation for the purpose of making positive change. The ‘Do No Harm’ conflict sensitivity awareness training package brings out various aspects in which more damage could be done and being done in the name of doing good.
While the challenges vary in intensity and scope from one to another, a common one is a tendency for tribal cleavages, affiliations, and preferences to influence political choices and policy decisions. Another thing, the provision of quality education in Sub-Saharan Africa is a challenge that has impacted the human resource base of countries. Another challenge is that in many area roads may not be paved. Potable water shortages and electrical power disruptions are common in Sub Saharan African countries and together can be a source of discomfort, frustration, and even stress. There are also technology challenges: while developed countries been moved towards 5G internet service, most Sub Saharan countries can only offer 3G service which is often erratic and with regular disruptions.
The agenda of the capacity building decided in Western capital cities rarely matches the agenda of the recipient. Sometimes, people present in the workplace are not paid, they just wait for the payroll to reach them. English is not widely spoken other than in former English colonies.
What is your advice for those who want to work in Sub Saharan Africa?
Stephen Thorne, energy services, climate change practitioner “Avoid rush hour as much as possible, particularly in Southern and Eastern Africa. If you are new to a place, educate yourself on the cultural aspects, learn some greetings in local dialects and perhaps find a guide to help you to navigate the working and communication culture. Avoid conflict zones and areas with high crime rates – stay alert but open. For longer stays, establish a relationship with a medical practitioner/clinic, bank, police, hotel staff/landlord and various service providers that you will need either regularly or and in the case of emergencies.”
“The most important thing is to be resilient and flexible. Of course, most jobs will have well-defined terms of reference, but within those, it is important to try to focus on the overall goals of your job and try to find ways to accomplish the main goals rather than specific activities that may not be realistic.”
“Beware of the unconscious emulation of donor-dom. Just because a donor is paying, doesn’t make their world view right – or even appropriate. Indeed, bear in mind that the only respect in which their world view can be thought to be right or appropriate is by them, their organization and their constituency. Even African colleagues on donor-funded programs fall prey to this – delivering the donor’s intent becomes the overwhelming priority.”
What are some of the benefits of working in Sub Saharan Africa?
“By working in Sub-Saharan Africa, you are able to compare your previous knowledge about Africa with the realities of your experience. The outcome of this comparison can be used as the basis for advising other development professionals who would like to work on the continent. Most likely, working in Sub-Saharan Africa will give you the opportunity to increase your network of international development professionals since you are likely to encounter several them while on assignment.”
“Over the 20+ years I have worked there I have seen tremendous changes, especially in the quality and quantity of the national human resource base. So, the benefits of working collaboratively with qualified local counterparts include the possibility to contribute to something that can make a real difference to the lives of people and, ultimately, a country’s development.”
“If you are coming from a very ordered society, once you have got over the apparently chaotic social and frustrating business structures, you may find the freedom of less order.”
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