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Writer's pictureJuanita CEESAY

Back to Africa Interview - Sierra Leone

Updated: Sep 4, 2020



Hello Folks,


The Back to Africa Interview Series – has been a constant favorite throughout the years. Understandably so, people identify with the stories of professionals who have moved back to Africa. Through them, we get to see what it’s like to make the journey and whether or not this is something we aspire to do ourselves. On that note, our next interviewee in a longtime is – Kathleen Jah Davies from Sierra Leone. She embodies the representation of a young working mum who is clear on the legacy she intends on creating in her country. This is her story.


THE INTERVIEW

Your background (country of origin, where you attended school, and your area of study)

KJD: Kathleen Jah-Davies ( Sierra Leonean-German)

High School in Sierra Leone

Undergrad and Grad in Germany: M.A Process Architecture


Where were you and what did you do before returning to Africa?

KJD: I lived and worked in Bonn, Germany


What inspired you to return to Africa at this point in your career/life?

KJD: my now husband and I are from Sierra Leone and we decided that we would rather live, work and make an impact in Sierra Leone than in Europe. It was also easier to make the move since back then we had no baby.


What are you engaged in upon returning to Africa?

KJD: I run my own Architecture Company (Arch Design SL) and my husband and I are also invested in Agriculture and Tourism.


What would you say was the best part of relocating to Africa?

KJD: apart from the fact that one can breathe better 😊. You get to directly impact and contribute to the growth of the continent. You are also surrounded by other young educated and fierce Africans, passionate about the Pan African dream. I also get to grow a beautiful family.

What would you say was the hardest part of moving back to Africa?

KDJ: I will say start ups are difficult everywhere. We have had to build everything from the ground up.


With the Covid crisis, limited infrastructure, precarious health facilities etc., why would you still recommend the idea of relocating to Africa?

KJD: the Covid crisis has laid bare the multi faceted issues in the west. From race, to basic health infrastructure to rising dictatorships. I will be careful of just painting the African continent in a negative light. Living in Africa makes you feel alive. You are a pioneer setting the foundation for generations to come.


What industries do you think are looking the most promising/have the potential for growth – as referral for people thinking of relocating back?

KJD: tourism, infrastructure, agriculture are what we are directly involved in and what we think are the next big industries. I'll also add technology. Africa is vast and has the potential to manifest whatever you dream and work hard towards.


What would be your advice in terms of how someone can successfully find a job or start a business in Africa?

KJD: do not just romanticize the idea of moving back. Do your ground work, create a network, visit and learn and be prepared to work very hard.


There has been some backlash in promoting the “Moving back to Africa” or “Africa is Rising” narrative. What are your thoughts on this?

KJD: if you dare to dream big then you can break boundaries. Africa is indeed rising and only fear of greatness will limit/hinder that growth.


A deficiency in Africa’s development is its lack of “human capital” Not enough skilled professionals on the continent and those who have such competencies are not willing to go back. Your thoughts?.

KJD: we can complain or we can roll up our sleeves and create the structures we seek. Indeed more professionals in the diaspora should look at impacting the continent either from afar or taking the leap of faith.


As an African on the continent what is your take on “Black Lives Matter”?

KJD: black lives matter everywhere and especially on the African Continent. We need to break the shackles of the colonialism and neo colonialism and create the African Dream the ancestors dreamt, fought and died for.


INFORMAL QUESTIONS

Do you consider yourself to be a Feminist – why or why not?

KJD: Definitely!. Feminism is a lifestyle that we should all incorporate into our everyday lives. Equality is a must within gender and race. For everyone who says feminism is not African, I will say read the authentic African history, not the white washed curriculum that we were taught and now believe.


What is the coolest encounter you had while working in Africa? (celebrities, old friends…etc)

KJD: my husband and I ventured into nightclub ownership at one point. Very interesting field.


What would I find you doing on weekends or on weekdays after you came home from work?

KJD: work never stops. But we love the outdoors and our field of work takes us out into nature.


By relocating to Africa as a young African professional -

KJD: my hope is to create the foundation for the next generation

In five years’ time -

KJD: I see myself growing, impacting and continuing the African Dream

What is one ironic thing you’ve seen that inspires you and gives you hope for Africa’s progress?

KJD: there are more like minded people within the continent working towards progressive growth than you think.


What other African countries would you like to visit and why?

KJD: my family’s goal is to deliberately travel across the continent. Next stop after Covid, Ethiopia and Egypt.


Thank you😊


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