Reflection: Why Is Africa Poor? A Whiteboard Animation

Chris Ampadu holds the PhD in International Development from WCIU. He serves as Network Leader for Disciple Nations Alliance, West Africa and is the West African Director for Samaritan Strategy.

WCIU Journal: Area Studies Topic

June 12, 2017

by Chris Amapdu

Why is Africa poor, given all its natural resources: gold, diamonds, oil, timber?

View this explanation in a whiteboard animation.

This Whiteboard Animation is based on Chris Ampadu‘s WCIU dissertation and the content of the workshops he leads throughout West Africa.

• Africa’s problems are like a tree with spoiled fruits.

• Africa’s problems have roots in worldview issues.

    - Worldview is the way people see and understand their world
    - Africa Traditional Religion’s fatalist worldview affects societal development
    - The enemy is SATAN, not witches or demons.

• Believing LIES impoverishes and enslaves people.

Examples:
    - The gods, evil spirits, and ancestors control what happens
    - Some people are better than others
    - Widowhood is shameful
    - Work is a curse
    - Corruption is normal

• What Should Be the Church’s Response?

    - Strong biblical roots produce good fruits (truth, honesty, self-control, trustworthiness)
    - Align customs, values, and traditional beliefs with God’s Word.
    - Wholistic ministry
    - Transformed godly lives within communities.

“You will know the truth, and the truth will set you free” (John 8:32).