Homeland or death: When Africans celebrate Europe more than Africa

As Namibia joined the rest of the continent in marking Africa Day, the moment was meant to reflect African unity, self determination, economic progress and the long journey toward true continental prosperity. It is a day designed to honour African identity, African achievement and the promise of a continent shaping its own future.

Yet a striking contradiction unfolded in plain sight.

While Africa Day conversations were taking place, thousands across African cities, including Windhoek, Nairobi and Johannesburg, filled public spaces and social media platforms celebrating Arsenal’s English Premier League triumph after a 22 year drought. Timelines were flooded with chants of “we won”, “our club” and “we are champions”, reflecting deep emotional attachment to a football institution based thousands of kilometres away in Europe.

THE AFRICA DAY CONTRADICTION

There is nothing wrong with enjoying global football. Sport is universal and football unites people across cultures and borders. However, the intensity of emotional, financial and psychological investment many Africans place in European football raises uncomfortable questions about identity, priorities and the lingering effects of neo colonial influence.

On a day meant for African celebration, much of the collective energy was instead directed toward the success of a European club. This is the paradox of our time.

THE NEO COLONIALISM OF EUROPEAN FOOTBALL

Africa remains one of the richest sources of football talent globally. European clubs continue to recruit African players, build global brands around African skill and generate billions in revenue from audiences that include millions of Africans.

Yet Europe continues to monetize African talent while African domestic leagues struggle with weak infrastructure, limited sponsorship and low attendance. Many fans can name every player in Arsenal or Real Madrid, but know little about their own local clubs.

In Namibia, as across much of Africa, local football still requires stronger investment, corporate backing and fan engagement to realize its full potential.

As someone working to build bridges that connect African businesses and strengthen intra African trade and investment, this imbalance reflects a broader challenge. Africa cannot build strong economies while consistently prioritizing external systems over its own.

BEYOND POLITICAL INDEPENDENCE

Political liberation was achieved decades ago, but economic and cultural independence remains incomplete. True decolonization must extend into mindset, consumption patterns and identity.

Ironically, many who advocate African pride are also the most passionate consumers of foreign entertainment systems.

Africa Day should challenge this contradiction and inspire Africans to invest emotionally and financially in African industries, sports and innovation with equal passion.

Imagine if African football leagues received even a fraction of the attention and support given to European clubs. The continent could build globally competitive sports industries that create jobs, drive tourism and strengthen unity.

The issue is not Arsenal’s victory. The issue is what it reveals about where African loyalty is most deeply invested.

Africa’s future will depend on whether Africans can learn to celebrate and build their own success stories with the same intensity they reserve for others.

• Elvis Mboya is President of the Namibia Kenya Chamber of Commerce and a journalist.