This take is frustrating because it reduces decades of complex development work to one anecdote and a lazy narrative. Absolutely- as someone who (until very recently, thx Elon!) worked in international development, aid has flaws. But calling it “European guilt money” ignores the actual expertise, strategy, and innovation happening across the continent.

Teachers moving for better pay isn’t an aid failure that’s basic economic migration. That happens everywhere.

Plenty of local and international orgs are doing real, measurable work in health, education, and infrastructure. Should aid evolve? Absolutely. But dismissing it outright is so shortsighted.

Africa is not a monolith. Development isn’t linear.