Africa, Southeast Asia, and New Opportunities: Why Movement is Opportunity

1. Life satisfaction and global imbalances

People around the world today are asking, "Am I satisfied with where I live?"

• The United States, Europe, and Japan: Low growth, aging population, and high cost of living → stagnant quality of life.

• South Korea: In 10 years, half of the population will be over 65 years old → domestic demand will stagnate, and the tax burden will increase.

• Some countries in Africa and Southeast Asia: average annual growth rate of over 5%, young population, and abundant resources.

Not only economic statistics but also personal perceptions confirm that life satisfaction and opportunities are limited within the existing system.

“According to NBC (YouTube), U.S. inflation is affecting everyday life and economic opportunities.”

2. The historical and theoretical background that migration is an opportunity

Migration has not simply been a geographical change; it has served as a means of redesigning lives and opportunities.

• Historical Case: European Migration to the New World → Creation of a New Social and Economic Model

• Biblical Example: Abraham follows the blessing to an unknown land → The beginning of community and prosperity.

• Contemporary research: In international development, economics, and sociology, migration is also viewed as a reallocation of opportunities and efficient use of capital and talent.

That is, there is a theoretical basis for believing that individuals and groups who choose to move amidst dissatisfaction and limitations create new opportunities.

3. What is movement?

Migration is not simply a geographical change. It is a strategic choice to improve quality of life and create opportunities. It can be understood as the process by which people pursue a better life and discover new opportunities.

4. Academic background of movement theory

4.1. Aspirations–Capabilities Framework

Dutch sociologist H. de Haas explains mobility as a function of people's aspirations and capabilities.

• Understanding movement as part of social change, not simply as a cause and effect

• Applying Sen's theory of ability and Berkeley's concept of freedom, we emphasize the importance of freedom and choice in the process of moving.

4.2. Michael Todaro's Urban Employment Theory

• Urbanization and Mobility Studies in Developing Countries

• Why People Move to Cities: Urban Job Opportunities

• Lack of rural employment and urban attractiveness → Explaining how migration creates economic opportunities

4.3. Everett S. Lee's Theory of Mobility

• Determinants of movement: Dissatisfaction with origin + attractiveness of destination

• When you are dissatisfied with your current life, move on to find better opportunities.

• Emphasize that movement is not simply a matter of moving from place to place, but a process of creating opportunities.

5. Historical Case: Creating Opportunities Through Mobility

5.1. European migration to the New World

From the 16th to the 19th centuries, many Europeans migrated to the New World in search of economic opportunities, religious freedom, and social mobility → forming a new social and economic system.

5.2. California Gold Rush

In the mid-19th century, the discovery of gold brought migration of people from all over the world → California experienced rapid economic growth

5.3. Vietnamese boat people

In the late 1970s, political persecution and economic hardship led to migration abroad → formation of the Vietnamese diaspora in many countries around the world.

6. Korea, the US, and Europe vs. High-Growth Emerging Markets

• South Korea : Domestic demand is stagnant, population is declining, and most assets are in real estate. Therefore, the tax burden on young people is increasing.

• US and Europe : Low growth, high costs, and youth unemployment

• Africa and Southeast Asia : High growth, young population, and over 100% agricultural self-sufficiency → Opening opportunities.

  
  

7. Tanzania, which Greenville has focused on

• Agricultural self-sufficiency rate of 120%, couples having an average of four children → young population and market expansion

• Kilimanjaro highlands → mild climate, potential for agriculture and tourism

• Connected to eight neighboring countries, port and aviation hub → trade center

• Zanzibar Island Tourism → Popular Honeymoon Destination for French and Europeans

• Capital inflow : UAE, China, India, and the US → Sustainable growth possible

Increasing German Corporate Investment in Africa

In recent years, German companies have been increasingly expanding their presence in Africa.

• Investment is focused on energy, infrastructure, and manufacturing.

• 2022 survey: 43% of responding companies plan to increase investment in Africa, and 66% plan to expand within the next five years (Reuters).

Key countries and sectors of investment:

• Nigeria: Energy, hydrogen, immigration management

• South Africa: Automotive parts, chemicals, machinery

• Ghana: Machinery, chemicals, food products

• Morocco: Trade and regulatory partnerships

• Namibia: Green hydrogen projects

Examples of German companies operating in Tanzania

• Wingcopter – The German drone startup Wingcopter has been operating a project since 2018 to deliver medical supplies and vaccines to Ukerewe Island, Tanzania. The project is supported by the German Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ) and the German Agency for International Cooperation (GIZ).

• KNAUF Gypsum – The global gypsum manufacturer KNAUF invested $10 million in the Mukuranga region of Tanzania to develop a gypsum project, contributing significantly to the local construction industry.

• DVA (Deutsche Vereinigung für Agrarwirtschaft) – DVA, a German multinational company, develops sustainable agricultural solutions across Africa, including Tanzania. They produce fertilizers, plant nutrients, and biological stimulants to improve agricultural productivity.

• Swissport Tanzania – Swissport provides ground handling and cargo services at several airports in Tanzania, particularly at Kilimanjaro International Airport and Songwe Airport.

8. Conclusion: Movement is Opportunity

Dissatisfied with current location → Select Move

Movement → Redistribution of capital, talent, and resources → Creation of new opportunities

Considering the limitations of Korea, the United States, and Europe, Africa and Southeast Asia represent a new stage for future growth and redesigning quality of life.